Pre-World Cup 2026 friendlies: Panama-Bosnia and Herzegovina, likely lineups

Saturday night at 9 p.m., CITYPARK in St. Louis is preparing to be the setting for the intriguing friendly match between Panama and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in what represents the very last and crucial test for both selections before the long-awaited 2026 World Cup debut. For the two technical commissioners, it will be the classic dress rehearsal to refine the athletic condition of their men, oil the last tactical mechanisms and manage the minutes, avoiding unnecessary risks close to the opening matches. Thomas Christiansen’s Canaleros, fresh from their pyrotechnic 4-2 success over the Dominican Republic, are looking for important answers especially from the defensive phase. Facing them will be the team led by Sergej Barbarez, a tough lineup that is undefeated for seven matches and arrived at the World Cup after eliminating the likes of Wales and Italy in the playoffs.

Thomas Christiansen chooses a very closed and compact team. In front of Samudio, the five-man defensive line will be led by Fariña, Ramos and Miller, with Anderson and Gutiérrez at full-back. In the median, Griffith and Martínez will make a central dike, while Yanis and Rodríguez will act on the outsides in support of the only forward Fajardo.

Sergej Barbarez responds with a very solid and balanced team. Zlomislic between the posts, protected in the center by Katić and Hadzikadunic, with Dedic and Mujakic on the flanks. In the midfield, Tahirovic will pair with Gigovic, while Alajbegović and Bajraktarević will push on the side lanes to trigger the Dzeko-Demirović offensive tandem.

Probable lineups

Panama (5-4-1): Samudio; Anderson, Farina, Ramos, Miller, Gutierrez; Yanis, Griffith, Martinez, Rodriguez; Fajardo. All. Christiansen.

Bosnia-Herzegovina (4-4-2): Zlomislic; Dedic, Katic, Hadzikadunic, Mujakic; Alajbegovic, Gigovic, Tahirovic, Bajraktarevic; Dzeko, Demirovic. All. Sergej.