AGP Executive Report

World Cup Warm-ups (Panama in focus): Panama and Bosnia and Herzegovina played to a 1-1 draw in St. Louis as Nikola Katić put Bosnia ahead and Jiovany Ramos equalized for Panama late in the first half; the result is a final tune-up before Panama’s Group L opener. England’s Group L prep: England edged New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa with Harry Kane scoring his 79th international goal, while coach Thomas Tuchel rotated heavily in the Florida heat ahead of matches versus Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Argentina injury update: Lionel Messi sat out Argentina’s friendly against Honduras with left hamstring strain/muscle fatigue, with his return dependent on progress. Brazil’s momentum: Brazil beat Egypt 2-1 in Cleveland in their last warm-up, with Bruno Guimarães scoring early and Endrick netting the winner after Egypt equalized. Public safety & agriculture: The U.S. USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in Texas, prompting heightened livestock monitoring near the border. Panama security raid: Panama’s Ministry of Public Security seized firearms, cell phones, chargers and Starlink antennas during raids at La Joyita prison to curb contraband.

Livestock Biosecurity: The USDA confirmed a second New World screwworm case in a one-month-old calf in Zavala County, Texas—about 5.6 miles from the first detection—prompting tighter movement controls and heightened monitoring as officials warn the pest could disrupt cattle supply and push meat prices higher. Local Justice Update: Panama’s La Joyita prison aftermath continues after a mass escape and riot; authorities say 23 inmates remain at large and a large security search is ongoing. World Cup Focus (Panama Group L): England revealed World Cup squad numbers and will open Group L on June 17 vs Croatia, then face Ghana on June 23 and Panama on June 27 at MetLife Stadium—while Panama’s World Cup story and expectations keep building ahead of the tournament. Ghana Prep Watch: Ghana’s Black Stars are pressing for cohesion and readiness for Group L, with warm-up matches including Honduras on June 9 after a 1-1 draw with Wales. Health Research (Regional): A study flags Darién as a key Oropouche virus epicenter in Central America, with risk signals for other Panamanian provinces.

US–China Rivalry in the Region: A scholar warns Trump’s pushback on China is already squeezing Beijing’s interests in Cuba, Panama and Venezuela, and could now target Nicaragua if China revives a Pacific–Caribbean canal plan. Military & Information Pressure: Separate reporting says the Pentagon is running an AI-backed propaganda operation aimed at Latin America, including messaging that highlights US–Panama training and frames China as a regional threat. Panama Canal Watch: The Panama Canal Authority says El Niño is unlikely to disrupt transits this year, but could trigger water-saving measures in 2027; it has also moved to adjust vessel draft rules amid concerns. World Cup Build-Up (Panama angle): Panama is in Group L for 2026, facing Ghana, England and Panama’s opener date is set for June 17 in Toronto—while broader tournament coverage keeps spotlighting heat, travel and squad readiness. Public Health & Agriculture Link: Panama’s role in the regional screwworm response is echoed as US authorities report new cases in Texas tied to the pest’s spread from Panama and Central America.

Animal Health Alert: The U.S. confirmed a New World screwworm case in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, Texas, prompting Colorado, Kansas, and Georgia to activate preparedness plans and livestock safeguards as officials stress it’s a production threat, not a food-safety one. Panama Canal Watch: Panama’s canal authority will lower the Neopanamax draft limit from 50 feet to 49.5 feet starting July 3, citing El Niño-related water concerns at Gatun Lake. Local Justice Update: Panama’s La Joyita prison riot investigation continues after nearly 200 inmates escaped, with reports pointing to breakdowns in custody and surveillance and damage to dozens of cameras. Coral & Wildlife: Mother of Corals launched a new Revive Reef Restoration Course in Bocas del Toro, while ZooTampa announced the hatching of critically endangered Panamanian golden frogs, a species extinct in the wild since 2009. Sports Spotlight: Ghana’s Jordan Ayew pushed back on family-name criticism and urged fans to stay patient as the Black Stars prepare for Group L matches that include Panama.

World Cup Group L Spotlight: Ghana captain Jordan Ayew says the Black Stars must “show our quality” after arriving in the U.S. for final preparations, with Group L set against Panama (June 17, Toronto), England (June 23, Boston) and Croatia (June 27, Philadelphia). Panama Health Watch: Panama’s Ministry of Health has activated a hospital contingency plan over measles risk tied to World Cup travel, citing confirmed imported cases locally and rising counts across Mexico, Canada and the U.S. Biosecurity Alarm Linked to Panama: The New World screwworm fly—reported as moving north from Panama—has been confirmed in a Texas calf, prompting USDA and state quarantine steps to protect the cattle industry. Sports Prep in the U.S.: Bosnia and Herzegovina is set for a friendly vs Panama in St. Louis, with large Bosnian communities expected to pack the atmosphere ahead of World Cup matches across North America. Injury Update: Brazil will miss Neymar for the final warm-up vs Egypt as he continues calf treatment at the team base in New Jersey.

World Cup Build-Up (Ghana): Ghana’s Black Stars have arrived in the U.S. to fine-tune for the 2026 World Cup, with coach Carlos Queiroz stressing the need to become more “consistent and efficient” after a 1-1 Wales draw. Squad & Numbers: Ghana has confirmed squad numbers for Group L, including Lawrence Ati-Zigi (1), Jordan Ayew (9), Thomas Partey (5), and Antoine Semenyo (11), with the opener vs Panama in Toronto on June 17. FA Handshake Controversy: England’s FA is reportedly weighing how to handle a pre-match handshake involving Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey amid his rape trial in London. Panama-Linked Football Moment: A Toronto-based community training session for “Team Panama” is set at the Nottawasaga Resort, giving local residents a chance to watch training ahead of the tournament. Darien Cleanup: Panama says it received a $3 million U.S. donation to clean up pollution left by irregular migration routes in the Darien jungle, hiring local workers as migration drops. Biosecurity Alert (Texas): The New World screwworm—flesh-eating larvae—has been confirmed in a calf in south Texas, triggering quarantine and sterile-fly efforts to protect U.S. livestock. Customs Crackdown (Chiriquí): Panama’s customs seized 55,000+ FIFA World Cup sticker envelopes and related merchandise from Colombia, investigating possible trademark fraud.

UN Diplomacy: The UN General Assembly elected Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago, and Zimbabwe to the Security Council for the 2027-28 term, replacing Denmark, Greece, Pakistan, Panama and Somalia; Kyrgyzstan wins a historic first seat after a tight race against the Philippines, while Germany fails to secure a vote. Panama & the Canal: Panama Canal Authority is drafting a new El Niño playbook to avoid the harsh vessel limits seen in the 2023-24 drought, with planners already reviewing draft rules ahead of a potentially longer dry season. Agriculture Watch: The USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in Texas since 1966, triggering quarantines and surveillance near the Mexico border—an alert that matters for regional livestock health. World Cup (Panama link): Panama’s national team wrapped home preparations with a 4-2 friendly win over the Dominican Republic before heading to the U.S., ahead of its World Cup campaign.

Ghana World Cup Build-Up: The Black Stars left Cardiff for the United States after their 1-1 warm-up draw with Wales, with Caleb Yirenkyi scoring and Lewis Koumas equalising late. Coach Carlos Queiroz now shifts focus to cohesion and tactics ahead of Ghana’s Group L opener vs Panama on June 17, followed by England (June 23) and Croatia (June 27). Local Football Spotlight: Players and pundits are already debating who starts—Jerome Opoku called the result “something to build on,” while Augustine Arhinful criticised goalkeeper Benjamin Asare’s communication on crosses and urged Thomas Partey to get sharper. Public Health Watch: PAHO warned that measles is surging across the Americas, with Panama among countries reporting infections, raising concerns as World Cup travel ramps up. UN Diplomacy: Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Portugal, Trinidad and Tobago and Zimbabwe were elected to the UN Security Council for 2027-28; Germany missed out. Regional Security: Cyber groups linked to China have targeted government entities in Panama and Venezuela, according to ESET.

World Cup Build-Up (Ghana): Ghana’s Black Stars opened their Carlos Queiroz era with a 1-1 friendly draw against Wales in Cardiff. Caleb Yirenkyi scored after the break, but Lewis Koumas equalized in stoppage time, leaving Ghana focused on their Group L goal: reach the knockout stage. Local Sports (Panama): Panama’s World Cup presence stays in the spotlight as the schedule and matchups keep rolling out, including a free-to-air viewing list that features “Panama vs Croatia.” Public Health (Americas): PAHO warns measles cases are rising across the Americas ahead of the World Cup, urging countries like Panama to strengthen surveillance and vaccination. Aviation & Tourism (Panama): Copa Airlines restarted flights between Panama and Barcelona with three weekly frequencies, boosting connectivity via Tocumen. Maritime/Logistics: A massive U.S. Navy crane is being shipped to Hawaii and will transit the Panama Canal as part of a major shipyard upgrade. Sports Business (Panama-linked): A report also flags Panama’s role in the “Isaac Accords,” with Israel’s finance minister describing new investment funds involving the IDB.

Tax Reform: Panama passed Ley 641, a 15% levy on multinationals that can’t prove real economic activity in-country, aiming to satisfy EU “economic substance” demands while keeping territorial tax exemptions for firms with genuine staff, offices, and decision-making in Panama. Maritime & Canal: President José Raúl Mulino opened Posidonia 2026 with Greece’s PM and backed Panama’s ship registry and logistics ties; the Panama Canal Authority also ordered 10 more hybrid harbour tugs from Spain’s Armon Shipyard to boost daily maneuvering capacity and cut emissions. Public Safety: La Joyita prison saw a mass escape during inmate redistribution, leaving two dead and multiple injured, with authorities launching a large recapture operation. Education Procurement: Meduca is trying again to award a $268.5M laptop purchase for public schools, with two companies in the running. World Cup (Panama link): FIFA released all 48 squads and 1,248 players; Panama is in Group L and faces Ghana, England, and Croatia, with the tournament starting June 11.

World Cup Focus (Ghana): Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz has confirmed his final 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, with the Black Stars drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama. Controversy & Selection: The big talking point is Thomas Partey, named despite rape and sexual assault charges in the UK; Queiroz says the presumption of innocence applies. Final Preparations: Ghana’s warm-up continues in Wales ahead of their opener against Panama on June 17, with Jordan Ayew urging fans to stay patient and confident. Squad Notes: Mohammed Kudus and Alexander Djiku are out through injury, while Solomon Agbasi is added as an emergency goalkeeper option. Local Sports Angle (Panama link): Panama-born reliever Justin Lawrence was traded to the Minnesota Twins, a reminder of the country’s growing footprint abroad. Climate Watch: The UN’s WMO warns El Niño conditions could develop before late August, bringing drought risk to parts of Africa and heavy rain elsewhere.

World Cup Send-Off: Brazil crushed Panama 6-2 at the Maracanã in Rio, with Vinícius Jr scoring early and Casemiro adding a header before the hosts pulled away after halftime; Panama got a late consolation as the match served as a sharp tune-up for Group L. Ghana Injury Update: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz confirmed Alexander Djiku is ruled out of the 2026 World Cup, with Derrick Luckassen called up as Ghana reshuffles its back line ahead of the Wales friendly. Ghana vs Wales Build-Up: Queiroz said Ghana want to play “great football” and win against Wales on Tuesday, while Ghana’s camp continues final checks before the tournament opener versus Panama. World Cup Squads Tracker: FIFA’s final 26-man lists are due June 1 and announced June 2, and Group L includes England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Maritime Security (Panama-flagged ship): A Panama-flagged MSC Sariska V was struck by an unknown projectile near Umm Qasr, Iraq, triggering a large explosion; reports conflict on whether it was an attack or a mechanical issue, and investigations are ongoing. Hurricane Season Watch: Miami officials are warning World Cup visitors as the Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1, with games across Florida including Miami.

World Cup Warm-Up Shock (Panama): Brazil crushed Panama 6-2 at the Maracanã in a key pre-World Cup friendly, with Vinícius Júnior scoring early and Casemiro adding before halftime; Brazil then piled on four more after the break while Panama got a late consolation from Carlos Harvey. Ghana World Cup Focus (Group L): Ghana’s Brandon Thomas-Asante says the Black Stars are determined to make Ghanaians proud and push beyond the group stage, with the team drawn alongside Panama, England and Croatia. Squad Deadline Looms (Ghana): Coach Carlos Queiroz is set to name Ghana’s final 26-man squad after a 28-player camp in Cardiff, with a friendly against Wales on June 2 and a final tune-up vs Jamaica on June 10. Sports Funding & Player Pay (Ghana): Sports Minister Kofi Adams says each Black Stars player will receive a $100,000 appearance fee, while a GH¢150 million World Cup budget is still awaiting Finance Ministry release. Travel Plan Rejected (Ghana): President John Dramani Mahama ruled out government-funded mass fan travel, citing an estimated ~$11,000 per supporter and instead plans to buy and distribute tickets through diaspora groups.

Panama’s Tax Crackdown on Shell Companies: Panama approved Law 526, tightening its Tax Code with an “economic substance” requirement so multinationals must show real activity in-country or face a 15% tax—part of a push to stop Panama being used as a shell haven. Canal & China Tensions: President José Raúl Mulino said Panama is still seeking to renew its maritime agreement with China, even as U.S. pressure around the Panama Canal grows and concerns rise over stricter inspections for Panamanian vessels. Canal Port Fight Escalates: CK Hutchison warned of legal action after Panama’s Supreme Court invalidated its port contract, with APM Terminals set to temporarily run Balboa and Cristobal—setting up a new dispute over damages and control. Cyber Defense Overhaul: Panama’s Ministry of Security is promoting cyber defense reforms that expand beyond traditional security into governance, oversight, and control for strategic sectors like energy, health, telecoms, finance, transport, water, food, and submarine cables. Sports (Panama in the spotlight): Panama will face Brazil in a World Cup warm-up at the Maracanã, with Neymar’s calf recovery in focus for Brazil ahead of the tournament.

Canal Watch: Panama extended the deadline for firms to pre-qualify for the Canal’s Corozal and Telfers Island port concessions plus a gas pipeline, citing clarifications and the need for more time to submit a “robust proposal.” Energy & Security: A mine-related generation loss triggered an outage affecting about 169,000 Panama customers, while INTERPOL-backed “Orca XI” seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across 20 countries. Infrastructure: Specialists outlined medium- and long-term repairs for the Old Bridge of the Americas, including replacing rivets and the road deck after the April 6 fire. Sports (Panama-linked): Neymar’s World Cup status remains under scrutiny, but Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says he’s expected to be ready for the opener or the second match; Brazil will face Panama in a friendly at the Maracanã. Travel: Puerto Plata announced 40 June flights from 7 airlines, including routes to Panama.

Panama Health Upgrade: The Social Security Fund (CSS) says surgeons at the City of Health completed Panama’s first robotic-assisted gastric bypass, using a robotic platform to cut bleeding and speed recovery, with plans to expand robotic telesurgery to reach patients nationwide. Panama Economy & Tourism: Panama’s tourism foreign-exchange earnings hit $6.583 billion in 2025, up from $4.6155 billion in 2018, while international arrivals rose to 3.004 million (+8.2%) and 2026’s first-quarter visitor count reached 999,934. Regional Security Watch: Ukraine-linked reporting says Russian drones struck foreign-flagged ships in the Black Sea export corridor, including a vessel sailing under the Panama flag, underscoring ongoing risks for maritime trade routes. World Cup Group L Focus (Panama): England’s Bukayo Saka backed the Three Lions to end their World Cup wait; England’s Group L rivals include Panama, with the tournament starting June 11 and England opening against Croatia on June 17.