Gold Cup semifinalists USA and Panama could not have had more different quarterfinal victories. While USA needed 120 minutes and a memorable effort by keeper Matt Turner in PKs to defeat Canada, Panama enjoyed a dominant 4-0 blowout win over Qatar.
In Gaming Today’s breakdown of USA vs. Panama odds, props, and predictions, we analyze what to expect as the USMNT battles an opponent that is much greater than the sum of its parts in Wednesday’s semifinal.
Also read: Odds to win 2023 Gold Cup | 2026 World Cup odds | 2023 Women’s World Cup odds
Betting Odds for Wednesday’s USA vs. Panama Gold Cup Match
Here are USA vs. Panama betting lines available on top sports betting apps. The odds here reflect the three-way moneyline, where a bet on either team to win is a loss if the game is tied after 90 minutes. As of Tuesday morning, BetRivers offers the draw at +285.
SOCCER · Wed (7/12) @ 7:30 pm ET
| Panama | at | USA |
| Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego, CA | ||
USA Roster, Injuries, and Betting News
USA are fortunate that a couple of breakdowns in key moments didn’t send them home in the quarterfinals against Canada. After a 120-minute clash with their northern rivals, B.J. Callaghan’s side have a tough task as they face Panama on just three days’ rest – with most of Monday spent flying from Cincinnati to San Diego.
Even for a young roster like this one, the quick turnaround from the marathon win over Canada means fatigue will likely be an issue against Panama. That’s especially true for Jesus Ferreira, James Sands, and Gianluca Busio, who all logged 120-plus minutes on Sunday night. Between deciding which players to rotate to get the freshest line-up on the pitch and choosing whether to start Cade Cowell and/or Brandon Vazquez, Callaghan has a lot on his plate before USA-Panama kicks off.
Vazquez has now scored as a sub in three Gold Cup matches – including two goals late in matches in which the USA either trailed or was tied. That should translate to a spot in the starting line-up on Wednesday.
Unfortunately for Vazquez, the starter at his position, Ferreira, is the top scorer in this tournament, with six goals in four games — the caveat: all six came against lowly Saint Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad & Tobago. Sunday night, when Vazquez came on, he played up top, while Ferreira dropped into the midfield. Will Callaghan be willing to drop a midfielder or attacker to get both Vazquez and Ferreira in his starting XI?
Many fans and pundits also want to see 19-year-old Cowell replace winger Alex Zendejas, who has yet to make an impact in four Gold Cup starts (besides an assist vs. Saint Kitts and Nevis).
Regardless of how USA line up against Panama, they’ll need to be sharper collectively than they were against Canada, who didn’t quite make this team pay for its sloppiness.
Injuries
Center-back Miles Robinson played 90 minutes against Canada, appearing physically fit after missing time earlier this tournament. Unfortunately, his handball in the 90th allowed Canada to tie the match at 1-1.
Center-back Jalen Neal started the match but was subbed off with a groin injury in the 73rd minute.
USA are without Alan Soñora and Aidan Morris, but Jordan Morris looked healthy against Canada after an injury earlier in the Gold Cup.
Panama Roster, Injuries, and Betting News
Panama’s top player in this tournament has been forward Ismael Diaz, who has four goals and an assist. The story of this team, though, is how steady they’ve been. Panama are the only semifinalist with a coach who’s been in the fold more than a year, and they’ve looked like a team that has had the same manager, Thomas Christiansen, since 2020.
Panama were especially sharp in their quarterfinal win over Qatar, as Diaz led the way with a hat trick. Christiansen’s side typically favors a three-man back line in a system that creates dangerous runs down the flanks by its wing backs. This means that USA right back Bryan Reynolds and left back DeJuan Jones will have their work cut out containing Yoel Bárcenas and Éric Davis.
Injuries
Panama’s best player, Michael Murillo, is out with a hamstring injury, a big loss for a team short on international stars. Panama’s other concern is right back César Blackman’s shoulder injury.
USA vs. Panama Props
Below is a sampling of betting props for USA vs. Panama:
Anytime Goalscorer (FanDuel)
- Jesus Ferreira: -105
- Brandon Vazquez: +180
- Cade Cowell: +250
- Jose Fajardo: +320
- Cecilio Waterman: +360
- Ismael Diaz : +370
Correct Score (FanDuel)
- USA 1-0: +500
- USA 2-0: +600
- USA 2-1: +750
- Panama 1-0: +1300
- Panama 2-0: +3100
- Panama 2-1: +1900
- 0-0: +900
- 1-1: +700
Total Goal Props (FanDuel)
- Over 0.5 goals -1800, Under 0.5 goals: +650
- Over 1.5 goals -310, Under 1.5 goals: +205
- Over 2.5 goals -108, Under 2.5 goals: -132
- Over 3.5 goals +260, Under 3.5 goals: -400
USA vs. Panama Prediction: USA 2, Panama 1
If USA play like they did against Canada, their run will end in the semifinals against a tough, disciplined Panama side with much more experience than the USMNT’s last three opponents.
At home, the USA’s A-game should be enough for a victory, especially if Callaghan is willing to throw Vazquez and/or Cowell in the starting XI, but don’t expect a comfortable victory for the USMNT.
Betting on Panama to keep this close feels like the best value play for this match.
Here are a few bets available at DraftKings that are worth checking out:
- Double Chance – Tie or Panama (+135)
- Both Teams to Score – Yes (+110)
- Parlay – USA Win and Over 1.5 (+105)
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USA vs. Panama Broadcast Info: Where to Watch
- Date/Time: Wednesday, July 12, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Snapdragon Stadium
Watch this match at one of the following:
- FS1
- Fubo
- DirecTV Stream
- Sling Blue
- Univision
- TUDN
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