By Shawn Amponsah-
New York Red Bulls midfielder Rafael Mosquera has been called up to represent Panama at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile later this month. The Panama Football Federation confirmed his selection on Monday.
Mosquera, 20, has enjoyed a breakout year in 2025. After three seasons with New York Red Bulls II, where he tallied 11 goals and 12 assists in 47 appearances, he earned a first-team debut on July 26 against the Chicago Fire. He later signed an MLS contract with the Red Bulls on August 21. In MLS NEXT Pro this season, Mosquera has registered seven goals and 10 assists in 19 matches, with his assist tally ranking tied for second in the league.
Before moving to the United States, the midfielder developed at C.D. Plaza Amador in Panama, making his professional debut at just 15 years old. He scored his first goal for the club in April 2023 against Portos del Este and added his first assist later that same month against Tauro FC.
Internationally, Mosquera has already gained senior experience. He earned his first cap for Panama in February during a friendly against Chile and has also represented the country at the U-15, U-20, and U-23 levels. At the 2024 CONCACAF U-20 Championship, he played a pivotal role by scoring three goals and recording an assist, helping Panama secure World Cup qualification for the seventh time in its history.
Panama has been drawn into Group B of the tournament alongside Paraguay, Ukraine, and Korea Republic. The team will open its campaign against Paraguay on September 27 in Valparaíso, followed by matches against Ukraine on September 30 and Korea Republic on October 3.
For Mosquera, the tournament represents not only another step in his international career but also an opportunity to showcase his playmaking ability on the world stage.