The 2024 Copa America should shed light on the United States men’s national team’s readiness for the 2026 World Cup. The Americans’ tournament-opening 2-0 win over Bolivia last Sunday — while somewhat comprehensive with 61% ball possession and 20-6 shot advantage — left any long-term projections murky. But that’s OK.
Cup competitions are all about the process — building form and confidence in the group stage to achieve lofty goals in the knockout rounds. Thursday’s match against Panama is merely the next step toward the USMNT’s most telling test in Group C: Monday’s showdown against Uruguay in Kansas City.
Sportsbooks list the U.S. as the clear favorite (-250 at BetMGM) against the Panamanians (+800 at FanDuel). Below is how the 90 minutes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta should play out — with the usual plus-money wager.
The pick — USA win and UNDER 2.5 total goals (+225, BetMGM)
The USMNT managed only two goals against a Bolivia side that’s conceded the most goals so far in South American World Cup qualifying, so it’s difficult to envision the Americans scoring more than three times against a Panama team that’s familiar with how they attack.
The key to keeping the match total under three goals is the U.S. defense. Can goalkeeper Matt Turner — supported by a backline led by Tim Ream — keep a second-straight clean sheet? The Americans should be able to quell Panama’s best attacking threat, midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla, who managed only one shot against Uruguay in Panama’s 3-1 defeat last Sunday.
For those interested in anytime goal scorer props, Folarin Balogun is the USMNT favorite (+135 at FanDuel) ahead of Josh Sargent (+140), Ricardo Pepi (+145) and Haji Wright (+145). The best bet is Christian Pulisic (+160), who continues to take free kicks and remain at the center of the USMNT attack. He’s the primary penalty taker, too.
Soccer record: 0-1, -1.00 units