WILLEMSTAD (DA) — Curaçao will face Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals, with a place in the Nations League Finals and direct qualification for the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup at stake.
Curaçao reached the quarterfinals for the first time after a 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago in Port of Spain. Jordi Paulina scored the equalizer in the 61st minute to secure the Blue Wave’s place in the final eight.
The opponent was confirmed Monday after Guatemala beat Suriname 1-0 on a late goal. Suriname entered its final match still with a chance to overtake Curaçao as the best first-place finisher. The loss ended that possibility, leaving Curaçao as the top group winner and setting up the quarterfinal against fourth-seeded Panama.
According to information provided by the Panamanian Football Federation (FEPAFUT), Curaçao will host the first leg Thursday, Nov. 12, at Stadion Ergilio Hato in Willemstad. Three days later, the series moves to Panama City for the return match Sunday, Nov. 15, at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez.
Panama entered directly into the quarterfinals as one of four seeded teams, along with Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The quarterfinal will be decided on aggregate score. The winner will advance to the Nations League Finals and qualify directly for the 2027 Gold Cup. The loser will get another chance to reach the Gold Cup through the preliminary round in March 2027.