The 2024 Copa America hosts USA got off to the perfect start on matchday one as they beat Bolivia 2-0 in Texas and next they take on Group C's whipping boys Panama.
The 2018 World Cup qualifiers suffered a 3-1 defeat against one of the pre-tournament favourites Uruguay in their first match and face another tough challenge on matchday two.
We're expecting an entertaining 90 minutes between Group C's two non-South American nations but can't see the result ending anyway but a win for the USA.
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Panama vs USA prediction: Back-to-back wins for the Stars and Stripes?
Key Stats
- Three of the last four meetings between these two nations have ended with both teams finding the back of the net.
- Both teams have scored in three of the USA's last five fixtures.
- The USA have won 19 of their previous 27 games against Panama.
- Monaco's Folarin Balogun scored his fourth international goal for the USA against Bolivia on matchday one.
Pre-game odds and win probability: USA the clear favourite
- HOME: 8/1 (9.00) – 11.1%
- DRAW: 4/1 (5.00) – 20%
- AWAY: 2/5 (1.40) – 71.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
USA are the expected winner of this game with a probability of 71.4%, and we can't see this match ending in anything but a win for the tournament's hosts.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Last five H2Hs: USA lead
The last five encounters between these two nations have produced three wins for the USA and two wins for Panama.
CONCACAF Gold Cup 13/07/23
USA
Panama
North & Central America - World Cup Qualifying 28/03/22
USA
Panama
Central America - World Cup Qualifying 10/10/21
Panama
USA
International Match 16/11/20
USA
Panama
CONCACAF Gold Cup 27/06/19
Panama
USA
Panama preview: Their toughest game is out of the way
Panama were always going to be the huge outsiders when they took on Uruguay on matchday one, where they fell behind in the 16th minute.
However, the Central American minnows held firm until the latter stages of this encounter when Uruguay doubled their advantage five minutes from time and made it 3-0 in stoppage time. Panama did pull a goal back through defender Amir Murillo in the 95th minute but it was no more than a consolation.
Predicted lineup: Mosquera (GK), Davis, Miller, Murillo, Córdoba, Fariña, Martínez, Carrasquilla, Bárcenas, Rodríguez & Fajardo
CONCACAF Nations League 24/03/25
L
Mexico
2
Panama
1
CONCACAF Nations League 20/03/25
W
USA
0
Panama
1
International Match 08/02/25
L
Chile
6
Panama
1
Club Friendly List 25/01/25
L
Universitario de Deportes
2
Panama
1
CONCACAF Nations League 19/11/24
D
Costa Rica
2
Panama
2
USA preview: Looking to build upon Bolivia win
The USA started brightly against Bolivia, taking the lead through captain Christian Pulisic after just three minutes.
Gregg Berhalter added a second, killer goal, just before the break when Pulisic turned provider for Moncao forward Florian Balogun.
The 2024 Copa America hosts will be looking to seal their qualification for the knockout stage before they play Uruguay on matchday three as that will be their most difficult game to take any points from.
Predicted lineup: Turner (GK), Ream, Robinson, Scally, Richards, Adams, Pulišić, McKennie, Weah, Reyna & Balogun
CONCACAF Nations League 23/03/25
L
Canada
2
USA
1
CONCACAF Nations League 20/03/25
L
Panama
1
USA
0
International Match 23/01/25
W
Costa Rica
0
USA
3
International Match 18/01/25
W
Venezuela
1
USA
3
CONCACAF Nations League 19/11/24
W
Jamaica
2
USA
4
Player to watch – Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic is the most experienced player in the USA squad and makes the perfect choice to captain Gregg Berhalter's side.
The AC Milan forward has made 69 appearances for his country and scored his 30th goal for the USA in the 2-0 win over Bolivia, continuing his fine form from the latest Serie A season which saw him net 12 goals in 36 matches.
The USA captain led by example in the opening group game
We're backing the 25-year-old former Chelsea player to put in another man-of-the-match display against Panama this week, helping to guide the USA to the three points that will see them qualify for the knockout stage.