Stadion Ergilio Hato (Ergilio Hato Stadium), Willemstad, Curaçao
Kickoff: Approximately 8:30 p.m. local time / 7:30 p.m. Panama time / 00:30 UTC Friday
This is the opening leg of a two-legged quarterfinal tie. The winner on aggregate advances to the Nations League Final Four (March 2027) and qualifies directly for the 2027 Gold Cup. Panama entered as one of the higher-ranked sides with a bye into the quarterfinals; Curaçao topped their group.
Current Weather Forecast (Willemstad)
Expect typical tropical conditions: highs around 88–89°F (31°C), lows near 84°F (29°C), partly cloudy to mostly clear with low precipitation chance (around 10% or less during evening hours). Winds from the east at 18–20 mph. Humid conditions with heat index potentially higher. No major disruptions anticipated for the evening kickoff.
Injury Reports
Curaçao: Several absences reported, including Jordi Paulina (injury), Sontje Hansen (hamstring), and Roshon van Eijma (muscular issue). Other players like certain attackers have been noted as unavailable or limited in some reports. Jürgen Locadia was not selected in the broader squad.
Panama: No major confirmed injuries for the traveling squad of 23. Technical decisions left out Daivis Murillo and Giovany Herbert (available for the return leg). Some players such as José Córdoba and Édgar Bárcenas arrived late to camp and may start on the bench or have limited minutes. Other long-term absences from the broader pool include players like Fidel Escobar and others not called up.
Current Rosters / Projected Lineups
Curaçao (coach: Dick Advocaat) – Likely 4-2-3-1 or similar, drawing heavily on Dutch-league talent:
Possible XI includes Eloy Room (GK); Shurandy Sambo, Juriën Gaari, Jurich Carolina (or Armando Obispo), Sherel Floranus (or Joshua Brenet); Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna; Juninho Bacuna, Jeremy Antonisse (if available)/Tahith Chong, Kenji Gorré; Jearl Margaritha (or similar forward). Key figures: the Bacuna brothers, Gorré (group-stage goal threat), and Room in goal.
Panama (coach: Thomas Christiansen) – Often organized defensively, possibly 4-2-3-1 or 5-back variants:
Possible XI: Orlando Mosquera (GK); Michael Amir Murillo, Jiovany Ramos/José Córdoba/Martín Krug, Andrés Andrade, Jorge Gutiérrez/César Blackman; Carlos Harvey, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Cristian Martínez; Yoel Bárcenas/José Luis Rodríguez; José Fajardo (or Ismael Díaz). Key figures: Murillo (attacking fullback), Carrasquilla (midfield creator), Fajardo (forward), and Mosquera.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Kenji Gorré / Juninho Bacuna (Curaçao attack) vs. Panama’s back line (Murillo, Córdoba/Ramos, Andrade): Curaçao’s home scoring threat against Panama’s organized defense.
Adalberto Carrasquilla / Michael Amir Murillo (Panama creativity and width) vs. Curaçao midfield and fullbacks (Bacunas, Sambo/Floranus): Panama’s ability to control tempo and create on the break.
Set pieces and aerial duels: Both sides have experienced players; Room vs. Fajardo/Díaz in the box could be decisive.
Midfield battle between the Bacuna-led unit and Panama’s Carrasquilla-Harvey-Martínez core will dictate possession.
Recent Team Forms
Curaçao: Strong group-stage form (top of Group A with multiple wins, including high-scoring home results). Home record solid; they enter with confidence after progressive results in the Nations League.
Panama: More mixed recent form, including draws and challenges in friendlies/World Cup-related play. They remain a cohesive, well-drilled side under Christiansen but have struggled for consistent wins in some recent outings. Strong historical edge in this matchup.
Series History
Panama holds the upper hand in recent meetings (unbeaten in the last few, including a 2-1 win in Willemstad in 2023 Nations League). Earlier World Cup qualifying also favored Panama on aggregate. Home advantage and crowd support at Ergilio Hato give Curaçao a platform for an upset in the first leg.
MATCH ODDS
Panama + 135
Curacao + 195
Draw + 200
Over 2.5 + 115 Under 2.5 – 160
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, November 11, 2026
