Panama edge El Salvador 1-0 to level with Suriname in Group A

Panama beat El Salvador 1-0 on Friday night at Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador, earning a crucial victory in Group A of the CONCACAF qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jose Fajardo scored the game’s only goal in the 55th minute, and El Salvador had a potential leveller by Bryan Gil ruled out on video review late in the match.

The outcome left Panama level on five points with Group A leader Suriname, though Suriname retains the top spot on goal-difference tiebreakers. El Salvador dropped to three points from three matches and sit third in the group after a run that includes a 2-1 home defeat to Suriname and an opening 1-0 win over Guatemala.

Panama’s goal came midway through the second half and proved decisive as El Salvador pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages. A goal by Bryan Gil was disallowed after a review, denying the hosts a chance to salvage a draw. The match offered few clear chances for either side until the decisive strike, with Panama managing to protect its lead through the final whistle.

The result strengthens Panama’s position in the final qualifying round. Panama previously reached the World Cup in 2018, and this victory keeps them firmly in...