Football Ferns series in Panama cancelled after powerful earthquake
Sunday 11 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated In this story Football Ferns
The Football Ferns' two-match series against Panama has been cancelled following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The first match was scheduled for Sunday in Panama City. NZ Football stated that players and staff will return to New Zealand as soon as possible.
Key facts
4 facts
- Two earthquakes, magnitudes 7.7 and 6.6, struck Panama on Saturday
- The Football Ferns' two-match series against Panama was cancelled
- The matches were to be played at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez
- The team is returning to New Zealand following the cancellation
The full story
1 min read · 3 outlets
The Football Ferns' two-match friendly series against Panama has been cancelled following two powerful earthquakes in the region. The first match was scheduled for 10am NZT today at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez in Panama City. The second match was originally set for 1.30pm on 14 October.
Panama's football federation (FEPAFUT) confirmed the cancellation after discussions with the national sports authority, Pandeportes. The decision was made as a preventative measure to prioritise the safety of players, staff, fans, and others involved. Football Ferns coach Michael Mayne stated that the team's safety and wellbeing is the priority.
The earthquakes, which included a 7.7 and a 6.6 magnitude event, struck shortly before 7am on Saturday. The 7.7 magnitude quake was initially recorded as a magnitude 8 before being adjusted. The seismic activity caused buildings to collapse and triggered evacuations.
New Zealand Football confirmed all players and staff have been accounted for. The team is now looking to leave Panama to return home as soon as possible. The tour was intended to help the team prepare for the Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year.
How it developed
- Sun 11 Oct, 12:37pmCoach Michael Mayne confirmed the team felt the full effects of the earthquake during a team meeting.
Where reports differ
- Reports differ on whether the entire series was cancelled or just the first match, with one report stating the series was cancelled and another stating the second match was still scheduled.
- One report states there was no tsunami threat for New Zealand, while another notes the earthquake triggered coastal warnings for the South Pacific.
Compiled from reports by 1News, Stuff and NZ Herald.
