AGP Executive Report

England World Cup Shock: Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man England squad for the 2026 World Cup—and it’s a headline-grabber. Big names left out include Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire, while Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins are recalled. Tuchel says he’s building a balanced team, not just stacking the most famous talent, and insists he has “no fear” despite the backlash. Ghana World Cup Focus: Ghana’s new goalkeeping coach Daniel Gaspar says there are “no easy opponents” for the Black Stars, stressing clean sheets are a team job. With Ghana drawn against Panama, England and Croatia, the GFA is also urging patience as the final squad is still being finalized. Panama in the News Mix: A separate story highlights Panama’s role in global shipping and trade pressures, with the wider region still feeling the ripple effects of the Strait of Hormuz disruption. Art & Local Curiosity: In the U.S., historic paintings were removed from Riverside’s Mission Inn days before a hotel sale—sparking preservation backlash.

World Cup Momentum: England’s World Cup squad is set to be confirmed today at 9:45am BST, with reports pointing to major omissions including Harry Maguire, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer—while England’s Group L rivals include Croatia, Ghana and Panama, with Panama’s match-up dates already locked in. Brazil Fitness Watch: Neymar is dealing with a minor calf injury and is expected to join Brazil’s camp, but he’s looking unlikely for warm-up games, with the priority now being full readiness for the tournament. Ghana Team Update: Desmond Offei will lead Ghana in Friday’s friendly vs Mexico in Puebla while Carlos Queiroz is absent for personal reasons. Panama Canal Pressure: Strait of Hormuz disruption is pushing the Panama Canal close to maximum capacity, with transits up 8% year-on-year and waiting times rising as US energy exports surge. Local Governance: Panama has named Ilya Espino de Marotta as the first female administrator of the Panama Canal Authority, starting Oct. 1.

Energy Retaliation: President José Raúl Mulino has suspended electricity sales to Costa Rica, escalating a fresh round of agricultural trade tensions after Costa Rican officials accused Panama of a “trade blockade.” Canal Leadership: Panama named Ilya Espino de Marotta as the first woman to lead the Panama Canal, starting Oct. 1, after a board review. World Cup Access: In New York, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced a lottery for 1,000 $50 World Cup tickets for residents, with free round-trip bus rides to MetLife Stadium (no final included). U.S.-Cuba Pressure: Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. is weighing how to bring Raúl Castro to justice as the USS Nimitz strike group entered the Caribbean amid heightened tensions. Shipping Watch: Panama Canal traffic is up sharply—energy cargoes are boosting transits by about 16%—but congestion and longer waits are a growing concern.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. has indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro on murder charges tied to a 1996 shootdown of civilian planes, and the move is landing as Washington also sends the USS Nimitz carrier strike group into the southern Caribbean—part of a broader “show of force” campaign. Arctic Footprint Talk: Trump’s Greenland envoy says it’s time for the U.S. to “put its footprint back” on the Arctic territory, including plans for new bases. Panama Business & Policy: Panama projects about 7.8% export growth in 2026, highlighting agro-industrial, fisheries, and manufactured goods. Gambling Rules Tighten: Panama’s National Assembly approved Bill No. 403, pushing responsible gambling measures, including a 10% profit contribution to mental health support and stricter age checks for online betting. World Cup Tech: Roku UK is launching a Football Zone for FIFA World Cup coverage with major broadcasters.

Cuba Pressure Escalates: The U.S. indicted former Cuban President Raúl Castro on murder charges tied to the 1996 shootdown of civilian planes operated by Miami-based exiles, a rare move against a foreign leader that signals a sharper Washington push toward change in Havana. Diplomatic Ripples: In related regional diplomacy, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accepted credentials from Panama’s ambassador, highlighting cooperation talks and Panama’s support on Ukraine at the UN. World Cup Watch in the Region: Ghana’s sports minister warned fans not to pay “agents” promising 2026 World Cup trips, while Ghana’s Black Stars keep building toward a Mexico friendly and their Group L opener vs Panama. Caribbean Governance: Curaçao will host the first official PARLATINO Caribbean Commission meetings, with Panama among the delegations.

Iran Sanctions Escalation: The U.S. Treasury and OFAC just widened its “Economic Fury” push—adding more than 50 Iran-linked targets and freezing assets tied to a currency exchange network and 19 tankers, including a Panama-flagged ship. Shipping Pressure: The Strait of Hormuz remains a pressure point as more vessels are redirected and floating storage grows. Panama Biodiversity Move: Panama’s Environment Ministry signed an MOU to evaluate and update its Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs), aiming to feed conservation planning and the 30x30 goal. World Cup Countdown: With the tournament starting June 11, squads are still rolling in—Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz is preaching humility and sacrifice as Ghana prepares for its June 17 opener vs Panama. Local Culture: A sewing club in Auburn is hosting a fabric art program featuring Panama’s Guna molas.

World Cup build-up: With the 2026 FIFA World Cup starting June 11, teams are racing to finalize squads, and Ghana’s camp is in full focus as Carlos Queiroz tells the Black Stars that “commitment, humility, sacrifice, and mentality” must outweigh talent—Ghana opens against Panama in Toronto on June 17. Group L stakes: Ghana’s path is set with England and Croatia also in Group L, while assistant coach Roger De Sá says the key is putting players in their “right position” with the right mindset. Panama trade spotlight: A fresh trade dispute between Costa Rica and Panama keeps attention on the region’s food and tariff tensions. Maritime pressure: Panama’s role in global logistics remains tied to wider shipping shocks, as the Hormuz crisis continues to reshape routes and costs. Regional road safety: Intrant is hosting the 8th Ibero-American Meeting on Data and Road Safety in Santo Domingo, aiming to cut crashes across Latin America and the Caribbean.

World Cup Buzz: Brazil’s Carlo Ancelotti has recalled Neymar to the 2026 World Cup squad, a major shake-up after months of fitness doubts—Brazil opens with friendlies against Panama (May 31) and then Egypt (June 7). Ghana’s World Cup Push: Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams says the Black Stars must aim for the knockout stage (Round of 32) after being drawn in Group L with Panama, England and Croatia; assistant coach Roger De Sá echoes that confidence, pointing to Carlos Queiroz’s new technical setup and a Mexico friendly on May 22. Croatia Squad Update: Luka Modrić is named in Croatia’s 26-man roster after cheekbone surgery, with Dalic targeting a strong group-stage run. Shipping & Security: In the Black Sea, Russian Shahed drones struck a Chinese vessel heading toward Odesa; Ukraine says no casualties and the ship continued. Business Watch: CMB.TECH posted Q1 2026 results, reporting $368.8M profit and a growing contract backlog.

Alex Saab Deportation: Venezuela’s PSUV chief Diosdado Cabello says Alex Saab’s deportation to the U.S. followed “strict law,” pointing to constitutional rules and claiming there’s no proof he’s Venezuelan. Cuba–U.S. Tensions: Cuba warns the U.S. is building a “fraudulent case” for possible military action, after reports of new Cuban drone plans targeting Guantánamo and U.S. sites in Florida. Bolivia Unrest: The U.S. backs President Rodrigo Paz as protests and road blockades drag into a third week, with shortages reported across regions. Shipping in the Black Sea: Russian strikes damaged three commercial ships near Odesa in one day, including a Panama-flagged vessel, with crews extinguishing fires and reporting no casualties. World Cup Focus: Croatia named Luka Modrić in its 26-man squad for Group L—against England, Panama, and Ghana—while Ghana’s Kofi Adams says the Black Stars aim to go beyond the group stage. Panama Canal Watch: Coverage flags growing congestion fears ahead of June maintenance, with El Niño not expected to restrict traffic.

Strait of Hormuz and the dollar oil system: With the Iran war and Hormuz disruption dragging on, major buyers are reportedly shifting to more opaque, direct arrangements with Gulf suppliers—sometimes with Tehran’s consent—after a Panama-flagged tanker reportedly crossed on talks between Japan’s PM and Iran’s president, while shipping impacts: the Panama Canal is scheduling June maintenance on the east Gatun Locks and seeing higher auction rates as backlogs and rerouting pressure mount; Panama health policy: the Ministry of Health backed Law 523 requiring fast-food combo meals to offer bottled water for free, aiming to cut sugar intake; local politics: former President Martín Torrijos launched UNE ahead of 2029 and floated a mine plebiscite; crime and justice: Panama reported a rise in sexual-crime complaints involving minors, including a sharp jump in child-pornography cases; sports (Ghana): Carlos Queiroz is pushing discipline and structured prep for Ghana’s Group L run that includes Panama, while debate continues over whether André Ayew returns to the squad.

Politics: Former President Martín Torrijos is back in the spotlight with a new political platform, UNE, pitching it as a break from “traditional party” politics and signaling he’s aiming for the 2029 election cycle—while also calling for a mine plebiscite. Regional Tensions: Panama and Costa Rica have escalated their trade fight again, with Costa Rica calling Panama’s agricultural curbs a “trade blockade” and pushing for international action. Security & Justice: Panama’s President Mulino says his government won’t negotiate with gang leaders and is doubling down on a reinforced police presence after a violence surge. World News with Panama links: South Korea is pressing Iran for clarity after an attack in the Strait of Hormuz involving a Panama-flagged cargo ship, while Bolivia’s unrest continues as blockades and clashes disrupt life around La Paz. World Cup Buzz: Panama’s World Cup return is set for June 11, and Toronto is lining up six matches, including Panama vs Ghana on June 17.

Security & Aviation: Panama’s National Assembly approved $13.4 million for the Ministry of Public Security to buy six new aircraft, plus funding for an air training school and equipment—aimed at boosting the force’s air capacity. Canal Watch: The Panama Canal Authority says there will be no 2026 transit restrictions through Dec. 31, despite El Niño-linked warming, keeping the schedule at 38 daily transits. Public Safety: President Mulino reiterated his government won’t negotiate with gang leaders as violence surges, pointing to criminal structures operating from prisons and calling for tougher pretrial detention. Regional Pressure: Costa Rica escalated its trade fight with Panama, pushing for international action over Panama’s ongoing bans on multiple agricultural exports. Global Noise: South Korea and the U.S. say their OPCON handover talks are close, framing timing as “a political decision,” while Bolivia reported 57 detentions amid anti-government unrest tied to economic strain.

Bolivia Unrest: Bolivia’s government struck a deal with protesting miners, but La Paz is still hit by blockades and clashes, with other workers keeping roads shut and demonstrators throwing stones and explosives as police used tear gas. Ghana World Cup Build-Up: Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz doubled down on “big ego” as a tool for confidence, as Ghana’s domestic squad heads to Mexico for a friendly ahead of the June 17 opener vs Panama. Panama in the Spotlight: Panama’s President Mulino met UFC athlete Joselyne Edwards at the Palace, while the OAS faces a moral test in Panama amid efforts to block a rights declaration. Regional Tensions: Costa Rica escalated its trade dispute with Panama over restrictions on agricultural exports, and Panama’s MOP announced “Tapa Huecos” road patching in Alto Boquete. Shipping Pressure: With Hormuz tensions reshaping routes, Panama Canal priority transit auctions reportedly surged to $4 million per vessel.

U.S.-Cuba Tensions: The U.S. moves to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro, a move critics say could be used to justify tougher action—though legal experts warn it may be a shaky setup. Bolivia Unrest: In La Paz, miners’ blockades and clashes continue even after a government deal, with other groups still choking access roads. Panama’s Global Trade Role: Panama’s NEPZA chief was re-elected to the WFZO board, underscoring the country’s growing influence in special economic zones. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA ticket sales fears are rising after reports that no matches have sold out, while Toronto ramps up 5G+ coverage for games at BMO Field. Maritime Watch: Strait of Hormuz traffic remains tightly controlled, with tankers still making limited crossings as supply fears and politics collide. Local Business/Shipping: First Quantum says Panama has lost about $3.5 billion since the Cobre Panamá mine shutdown.

Church & Justice: Holy Trinity Cathedral’s priest has been placed on leave as the archdiocese investigates. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA squads are rolling in ahead of the June 11 kickoff, with New York/New Jersey set for eight matches including the final, and Panama listed among the teams already scheduled to play there. Panama’s Economy: First Quantum says Panama has lost about $3.5 billion since the Cobre Panamá mine closure, underscoring the wider hit to jobs and local business. Shipping & Security: South Korea says debris from the May 4 attack on the Panama-flagged HMM Namu has arrived for analysis, while officials say the chance it was launched by a non-Iranian actor is “not high.” Politics: Former President Martín Torrijos will launch a new political project on Sunday, May 17, aiming to set a roadmap for a new national organization. Sports (Ghana): Ghana’s home-based Black Stars have departed for a Mexico friendly, and corporate donors in Ghana have boosted the Black Stars World Cup fund.

Panama-flagged shipping and the Canal in the spotlight: Panama’s role in global trade is getting sharper attention as geopolitical stress around the Strait of Hormuz keeps disrupting energy flows and pushing up costs—this week, priority Panama Canal transit auctions reportedly hit a record $4 million per vessel. World Cup momentum (and Panama ties): The 2026 FIFA World Cup is now fully in gear, with major New York/New Jersey details locked in and Panama’s women’s team set for friendlies—Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz will play Panama on June 5 and 8 in Rio de Janeiro. Local justice: Panama’s La Joyita prison massacre case is back in court, with a trial reviving the 2019 tragedy after 13 deaths. Diplomacy watch: Panama is also navigating sensitive international politics, including the OAS debate over a rights declaration ahead of the General Assembly in Panama next month.