Panama secure final 2023 Women’s World Cup spot after defeating Paraguay

Panama are the 32nd and final team to book their ticket for the upcoming Women’s World Cup after defeating Paraguay 1-0 in the final qualifying playoff in New Zealand on Thursday.

Panama, who will play at the showpiece tournament for the first time, will slot into Group F alongside France, Jamaica and Brazil.

This year’s World Cup, co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia and starting on 20 July, will be the first edition to feature 32 teams.

Group A

New Zealand

Norway

Philippines

Switzerland

Group B

Australia

Republic of Ireland

Nigeria

Canada

Group C

Spain

Costa Rica

Zambia

Japan

Group D

England

Haiti

Denmark

China

Group E

United States

Vietnam

Netherlands

Portugal

Group F

France

Jamaica

Brazil

Panama

Group G

Sweden

South Africa

Italy

Argentina

Group H

Germany

Morocco

Colombia

South Korea

Substitute Lineth Cedeno secured victory for Panama with a 75th-minute goal, heading home a free-kick played into the box by captain Marta Cox at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.

Cedeno, who came off the bench in the second half, collected a yellow card for taking off her shirt during the goal celebration.

Portugal and Haiti were the other two teams who booked their spots at the World Cup from the final qualifying playoffs held in Auckland and Hamilton.

Haiti beat Chile 2-1 on Wednesday, in an historic match it hoped will bring joy and “a breath of fresh air” to a strife-torn homeland.

Recent Lyon signing Melchie Dumornay scored twice to ensure the 55th-ranked nation will take the last spot in Group D alongside European champions England, China and Denmark.

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