A social media post by Spanish football analyst, known as Mister Chip, praising Panama’s national team following their World Cup 2026 qualifying debut against Ghana has ignited a dispute between Costa Rica and Panama. Despite Panama’s loss, Mister Chip lauded their performance, prompting accusations from Costa Rican fans and media of bias and favouritism. This perceived support for Panama has been interpreted as a slight to Costa Rica, a historical rival in football. The situation escalated with online exchanges and nationalistic reactions from both countries’ supporters. The controversy highlights the intense footballing rivalry between the two Central American nations and the influence of social media personalities on international sentiment. The incident underscores the passion surrounding World Cup qualifying and the sensitivities involved in regional sporting competition.