New Zealand’s Football Ferns have seen their first international friendly against Panama cancelled following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck the Central American country on Friday, October 9. Panamanian football authorities confirmed that Saturday’s match at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez would not go ahead, prioritising the safety of players, staff and spectators as the country assesses the damage caused by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks.
New Zealand Football has confirmed that every member of the visiting squad and coaching staff is safe. The federation remains in contact with local authorities and match organisers as preparations continue for the second international, which is still scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, at 7:30pm local time.
The decision to cancel the opening encounter was announced jointly by the Panamanian Football Federation (FPF) and the country’s national sports authority, Pandeportes, following an assessment of the situation.
The earthquake caused significant disruption across Panama, with reports of structural damage, evacuations and temporary interruptions to public transport and airport operations. Sporting facilities have also been subject to precautionary inspections.
Although the first international has been cancelled, the authorities have not announced any changes to the second fixture at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez. Its scheduled date remains unchanged, although the developing situation means further updates cannot be ruled out.
For New Zealand, the cancellation represents an unexpected setback during an important phase of preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The Football Ferns have already secured their place at the tournament through Oceania qualification, allowing head coach Michael Mayne to focus on developing a squad capable of competing more effectively against international opposition.
The two-match series against Panama had been arranged to provide experience in Central American conditions and an opportunity to assess different tactical combinations ahead of next year’s tournament.
The importance of those matches has increased as New Zealand attempts to improve its performances outside Oceania. The Football Ferns entered the international window without a victory in their previous seven matches against non-OFC opponents, having struggled to convert attacking opportunities against stronger opposition.
Mayne has consequently used recent international windows to evaluate both experienced players and emerging talent, with the Panama trip expected to provide another opportunity to establish greater consistency.
However, injuries had already forced changes to the travelling squad before the earthquake disrupted the schedule.
Experienced defender Rebekah Stott and forward Milly Clegg withdrew through injury, with midfielder Emma Pijnenburg and forward Kelli Brown brought into the squad as replacements.
Pijnenburg plays for Hera United in the Netherlands, while Brown has recently joined Canberra United ahead of the new A-League Women season.
The squad also includes two players hoping to make their senior international debuts. Daisy Brazendale, who captained New Zealand at the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, received her first senior call-up alongside Iceland-based midfielder Helena Errington.
Another important storyline surrounding the international window is the return of Malia Steinmetz.
The 26-year-old midfielder is hoping to make her first appearance for the Football Ferns since the 2024 Paris Olympics, having endured a lengthy recovery from a serious knee injury sustained while playing for Danish club FC Nordsjælland.
Steinmetz returned to the national-team environment during New Zealand’s World Cup qualifying campaign and was an unused substitute against Morocco in June, but she has yet to make her competitive international comeback.
Speaking to New Zealand Football ahead of the Panama series, Steinmetz reflected on the challenges of recovering from injury and returning to the national team.
“It’s been a huge journey coming back from the injury,” she said, adding that being able to complete full matches again had been particularly rewarding.
Her availability offers Mayne another option in midfield as the competition for World Cup places intensifies.
The New Zealand coach has emphasised the limited amount of time remaining before the final squad is selected, making every international opportunity particularly valuable.
“The next phase of our campaign is about building cohesion and strengthening combinations,” Mayne explained.
Panama had also approached the series as an important part of their international preparations.
The Central American side, coached by Spain’s María Antonia ‘Toña’ Is, selected a 23-player squad containing 15 members of their historic 2023 Women’s World Cup campaign.
Their squad includes experienced internationals such as goalkeeper Yenith Bailey, defender Carina Baltrip Reyes and midfielder Karla Riley, alongside Sydney FC forward Riley Tanner.
Unlike New Zealand, Panama have not yet secured qualification for Brazil 2027. Their next major challenge is a meeting with Canada on November 28 in the CONCACAF W Championship, a fixture carrying important implications for both the Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The October friendlies were expected to be the first senior women’s international meetings between Panama and New Zealand.
There is also a historical connection between the two nations. Panama secured qualification for their first Women’s World Cup through the 2023 intercontinental play-offs held in Hamilton, New Zealand.
For now, however, football has taken a secondary role as Panama responds to the consequences of the earthquake.
The second match remains scheduled for October 13 at 7:30pm in Panama City, corresponding to October 14 at 1:30pm in New Zealand.
If the fixture proceeds, it will provide Mayne with an opportunity to continue assessing his squad and potentially welcome Steinmetz back into international action.
For the Football Ferns, the immediate reassurance is that the entire delegation is safe. Whether their remaining time in Panama can deliver the competitive preparation originally planned will depend on developments over the coming days.
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