Panama vs USA preview, team news, tickets & prediction

Panama took on another Group C heavyweight in the 2024 Copa America when the United States of America were their opponents on Matchday 2.

Tournament hosts USA will be looking for a victory over Panama which could see them qualify for the Copa America knockout rounds.

Although the USA have won most of their encounters with Panama, the Canal Men also have their fair share of victories against the Stars and Stripes.

Their last meeting ended 1-1 in the CONCACAF Gold Cup semifinal which Panama won on penalties to advance to the final against Mexico.

Panama has qualified for three major tournaments, with this year’s competition being just their second Copa America after also being invited to the 2016 edition.

Los Canaleros came fourth at the CONCACAF Nations League finals in 2023 while they made a strong start to the Gold Cup later in June. After defeating Qatar 4-0 in the last eight, Panama got the better of the United States on penalties to book a place in the final which they lost by a single goal against Mexico.

Another run to a second consecutive Nations League finals was ended by a defeat to Mexico (again) in the semi-final, but what it does is increase their belief that they can mix it with bigger teams in tournament football.

Panama must go into the tournament with a strategic tactical plan as they will be fighting for survival against powerhouses like the USA and Uruguay in Group C. Thomas Christiansen must also hope that one of the big teams falters in their campaign which could directly benefit his team’s chances of advancing to the next round.

Thus, a positive result against Gregg Berhalter’s men would disrupt the fortunes of their heralded opponents while improving their prospects.

The USA are in their fifth Copa America and this is the second time hosting after reaching the semi-final when the Copa America Centenario was held on home soil in 2016.

Berhalter's contract expired after the World Cup in December 2022 and his assistant, Anthony Hudson, was placed in caretaker charge until he stepped down at the end of May.

Under B.J. Callaghan, the Yanks successfully defended their Nations League trophy by winning 3–0 against Mexico in the semi-final before defeating Canada 2–0 in the final.

Brandon Vazquez equalised in the 88th minute of their opening Gold Cup game against Jamaica while both Saint Kitts & Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago were thrashed 6-0. The USA got through a thrilling 2-2 draw against Canada and won the quarterfinal on penalties after extra-time.

However, they failed to repeat the trick against Panama three days later and bowed out on spot-kicks in the semifinal. There were three wins over the first four friendly matches of Gregg Berhalter’s return and they secured a spot at the home Copa America by defeating Trinidad & Tobago 4-2 on aggregate in the Nations League quarterfinal.

The semi-final against Jamaica was the first thing on the agenda for 2024 and they recovered from an early opener to send the game to extra time before winning the tie 3-1. Goals from Tyler Adams and Giovanni Reyna in the final against Mexico helped the Yanks to lift a third consecutive CONCACAF Nations League.

The USMNT is bubbling with confidence and the effect of their home crowd cannot be understated as they will be keen to chant their team to glory. They have built up their winning feeling and the experience from the last World Cup would only improve this young squad further.

Match tickets

This must-see fixture takes place on Thursday, 27 June 2024 with kick-off scheduled for 11 PM UK time. Match tickets are available for sale on the websites of both national federations as well as the Copa America organizers so you can hurry to purchase yours.

For such an important game for both teams, it is fitting that the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the venue for this clash. Being in Atlanta, the USMNT fans would be present in large numbers and it is pertinent to secure your match tickets before they get sold out.

Travelling supporters who are still looking for Panama vs USA tickets may be lucky to find their copies on a ticket resale website.

Team news

Panama has a complete squad with no injury worries and they will be keen to have a full roster available for their Copa America campaign.

The USA had a fully fit squad to choose from for the March international break and the fitness of Tyler Adams is of utmost importance as the influential midfielder has been out injured for most of the season and he must be conditioned carefully till the summer.

Line-ups

Jose Luiz Rodriguez is a key man for Panama with his ability to pass with both feet and the technical quality he offers the team including his dribbling skills across the forward areas. His exceptional vision over long or short-range passes further amplifies his importance to the cause and the team would certainly be playing through him.

Panama’s 3-4-3 formation and the fact that members of their squad have played together for a long time could count in their favour against the USA.

Panama: Mosquera; Escobar, Cordoba, Andrade; Blackman, Godoy, Carrasquilla, Barcenas; Fajardo, Diaz, Rodriguez

Christian Pulisic is perhaps the first name on the USA’s team sheet with the captain having revitalized his career since moving to AC Milan. The forward is more consistent due to the continuity of playing time at club level and he holds the key to his team’s fortunes this summer.

USA: Turner; Dest, Richards, Robinson, Robinson; Musah, McKennie, Adams; Weah, Balogun, Pulisic

Prediction

Panama is the underdog in this game and their approach would reflect that as they must stay compact and look to hurt the USA on the break.

The Yanks, on the other hand, would look to control proceedings and attack the Panama defence at will. A thrilling game awaits and we expect the tournament hosts to coast to victory on the way to the knockout stage.

Panama 0-3 USA