The 2024 Copa America continues on Thursday with Panama and the United States squaring off in a crucial Group C clash. The Stars and Stripes will be looking to take a critical step toward qualification for the knockout stages whereas Los Canaleros look to bounce back from a loss to Uruguay.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia plays host to this decisive duel. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m. CT on Thursday. Fox will have nationwide coverage in the United States. Let's break down the odds.
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2024 Copa America preview: Panama vs. United States odds, prediction, best bet
Panama fans must've felt on top of the world heading into 2024. They'd seen Los Canaleros lose just once during the back half of 2023, a 13-game run that included a Gold Cup final and Nations League quarterfinals. However, Thomas Christiansen's side has experienced a dip in form in 2024, losing four of its last six matches in all competitions.
Meanwhile, the United States has lost just four times over the last 12 months and it comes into this contest with a 3-1-1 record in its previous five. Three points for the Stars and Stripes would set up a clash with Uruguay on matchday three with everything to play for in Group C. Gregg Berhalter's side recently learned it cannot overlook any opponent, though, despite being on home soil.
Let’s take a closer look at the odds and trends ahead of this highly anticipated Copa America clash:
Panama vs. United States
Time/TV: Thursday, June 27 at 5 p.m. CT (Fox)
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
Moneyline: Panama +750 | Draw +390 | United States -280
Analysis: The last time these two sides met, Panama defeated the United States on penalties to advance to the 2023 Gold Cup final. Los Canaleros took their starters to that tournament, whereas the Stars and Stripes largely turned to their Major League Soccer reserves to try and get the job done.
Panama and Christiansen will meet an entirely different beast this time around.
Berhalter fielded just one similar player against Panama in 2023 and in the win over Bolivia on Sunday: goalkeeper Matt Turner. Meanwhile, eight of Los Canaleros' starting XI from the loss to Uruguay were in the matchday squad the last time they faced the United States. This is a huge advantage to the Stars and Stripes, who will be facing familiar foes.
Meanwhile, Panama will be met by a United States team littered with talent from Europe's top five leagues. The host nation suffocated Bolivia with 61% possession as it tallied 20 shots, eight of which were directed on target, on matchday one. Folarin Balogun, Christian Pulisic and Co. will look to replicate that dominant performance against Los Canaleros.
Given the fact that a similar Panama squad needed penalties to beat the United States "B Team" and the current form of each country, it's difficult to imagine Los Canaleros getting a result in this spot. I believe they'll give the Stars and Stripes some difficulty but in the end, Berhalter's boys get their second win from two games to kick off the 2024 Copa America.
Prediction: Panama 0-2 United States
Best bet: USA to win 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 (+140 at FanDuel Sportsbook)