TVN and RPC broadcast every Panama match free — both channels, no subscription needed. This is only Panama’s second World Cup ever (first: Russia 2018), making every match a historic moment. For all 104 tournament games, Cable Onda or DirecTV provide full coverage. The schedule is perfect: all three group matches fall in the afternoon and early evening local time.
Where to Watch: Free and Paid
- TVN (Canal 2) — Free over-the-air. All Panama matches plus selected knockout rounds and the final
- RPC Televisión — Free over-the-air. Shares coverage of all Panama matches
- Medcom / Cable Onda — Paid cable. Expanded World Cup coverage including non-Panama group matches
- DirecTV Sports — Paid cable/satellite. All 104 matches with DirecTV Go streaming
How to Set Up
TVN (Canal 2) (Free)
- Live TV: Channel 2 over-the-air on UHF/VHF, available across all of Panama
- Streaming: TVN GO — free live stream from the TVN website and app
- Devices: iOS, Android, web browser, compatible Smart TVs
- Commentary: TVN’s regular sports team with special World Cup studio from Panama City
RPC Televisión (Free)
- Live TV: Over-the-air, Channel 4 on most cable systems in Panama
- Streaming: Available on the RPC website for Los Canaleros matches
- Devices: Web browser, iOS, Android
Cable Onda / Medcom (Paid — Expanded coverage)
- Cable: Available on Cable Onda packages with additional sports channels
- Price: Included in Bronze and higher cable tiers
- Features: International sports channels with full tournament coverage
DirecTV Sports (Paid — All 104 matches)
- Cable/satellite: Available on all DirecTV Panama packages
- Streaming: DirecTV Go — no set-top box required
- Devices: iOS, Android, Smart TV, web browser
When to Watch: Kickoff Times in Panama
Panama uses EST (UTC-5) year-round with no daylight saving. US Eastern in June is EDT (UTC-4), so Panama is 1 hour behind ET.
| US Kickoff (ET) | Local Time (EST) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM ET | 10:00 AM EST | Morning |
| 2:00 PM ET | 1:00 PM EST | Lunch hour |
| 5:00 PM ET | 4:00 PM EST | Late afternoon |
| 8:00 PM ET | 7:00 PM EST | Early evening |
Group L Schedule (local time):
| Match | Date / Local Time | City |
|---|---|---|
| Panama vs Ghana | June 17, 6:00 PM EST | Toronto |
| Panama vs Croatia | June 23, 6:00 PM EST | Toronto |
| Panama vs England | June 27, 4:00 PM EST | East Rutherford (NY) |
Watching in Person
- Panama City — Casco Viejo: Paseo Esteban Huertas and the bars in the historic quarter are the most popular spots to watch matches. The city government installs giant screens here for Los Canaleros games
- Panama City — Cinta Costera: The waterfront promenade has bars and restaurants with big screens. The view across Panama Bay makes for a unique setting
- Vía Argentina and El Cangrejo: The mid-city bar zone with screens and one of the liveliest World Cup atmospheres in the capital
- Colón: Panama’s second city shuts down to watch Los Canaleros — screens in plazas and packed bars across town
- Fan culture: Panama’s second World Cup generates unprecedented national excitement. Match days are street celebrations — Panamanian fans are known for their joy and colour, among the most festive supporters in the region
Radio
- RPC Radio (890 AM): Panama’s most listened-to broadcaster — live commentary on all matches with specialist sports reporters and analysis
- Radio Nacional de Panamá (630 AM): Official state radio; free nationwide coverage of Los Canaleros
- KW Continente (90.5 FM): Sports radio station with dedicated World Cup coverage and Panama match analysis
Must-Watch Matches
- Final — July 19, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. 2:00 PM EST
- Semifinals — July 14–15. Afternoon/evening kickoffs in EST
- Panama vs England — June 27, East Rutherford. 4:00 PM EST. The group finale against the Three Lions at MetLife Stadium — a chance to make history and advance to the knockout rounds in only Panama’s second World Cup
FAQ
Are Panama’s World Cup matches free to watch? Yes. TVN (Canal 2) and RPC Televisión broadcast all Panama matches free over-the-air across the country.
What time do Panama’s matches kick off in local time? Between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM EST — all afternoon and early evening. Perfect schedule for after-school and after-work viewing.
Is this Panama’s second World Cup? Yes. Panama qualified for the first time in 2018 (Russia). This is only their second World Cup appearance — a historic achievement for the country.
Can I stream Panama matches without a cable subscription? Yes. TVN GO provides free live streaming. Cable Onda and DirecTV Go offer paid streaming options.
Are there public screenings for Panama’s matches? Yes. Panama City installs giant screens at Casco Viejo and the Cinta Costera waterfront for Los Canaleros matches.