The CONCACAF Nations League is back, and Panama and Canada collide under the bright lights of Las Vegas on Thursday with a spot in the final on the line.
This high-stakes semifinal showdown comes after both teams topped their League A standings, with Panama springing a slight surprise by edging out a strong Costa Rica side on the way to 10 points from four games.
This rapidly-rising Canada team still look like CONCACAF top dogs, and they cruised to an emphatic 4-1 win in their group decider against Honduras in March, continuing the momentum from their relentless World Cup qualifying run.
Learn more in our free Panama vs Canada picks and predictions ahead of this Thursday, June 15 matchup, with the winner advancing to face either Mexico or the United States in the final.
Panama vs Canada best odds
| Panama | Canada | |
|---|---|---|
| +450 | Moneyline | -154 |
| +260 | Draw | +260 |
| Over 2.5 (+115) | Total | Under 2.5 (-150) |
Odds courtesy of bet365 on June 14, 2023.
Panama vs Canada picks and predictions
Despite the ultimate disappointment of relegation from La Liga, Cyle Larin’s loan spell with Real Valladolid only enhanced his reputation as a prolific goalscorer. Larin netted eight times, earning praise from Brazilian legend Ronaldo, the club’s owner, and almost rescuing Valladolid from the drop.
Fresh from a clutch penalty against Barcelona and a bunch of other important goals down the stretch, I expect Larin to feast in CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup action this summer, starting with a big performance here against Panama.
Larin was lethal in Nations League action in March, scoring against Curacao and adding two goals inside 12 minutes at home to Honduras. His partnership with Jonathan David is quietly gaining ground on some of the best duos in world soccer, backed by quality service from Alphonso Davies and Tajon Buchanan.
While Panama kept four clean sheets on the way to this Nations League semifinal, there were some defensive lapses in their 3-2 weekend friendly win over Nicaragua, and they’ll have their hands full against Canada’s all-time leading scorer.
With Larin’s future still to be determined, whether it’s a return to Club Brugge or a deal elsewhere in Europe, this is a golden opportunity to make a statement. I’m taking these odds for him to get on the scoresheet on Thursday night.
My best bet: Cyle Larin Anytime Goalscorer (+160 at bet365)
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Panama vs Canada side analysis
The Canadians enter as big favorites here, and a neutral venue in Las Vegas should suit them just fine. John Herdman’s men bounced back impressively in their two Nations League games in March, putting their World Cup group stage exit behind them, and they have a significant talent edge in their favor in this matchup.
Panama will have fond memories of beating Canada 1-0 at the end of the World Cup qualifying campaign (though only after the Canadians had already booked their ticket for Qatar), and they can’t be underestimated after beating Costa Rica twice in their Nations League group. Substitute Michael Murillo scored twice against Nicaragua on Saturday, but Panama will be without the suspended José Fajardo, who was sent off against the Costa Ricans in March shortly after netting the winner.
Still, I feel more confident trusting Davies, Larin and David to be game-changers on Thursday in what should be a valuable Gold Cup tune-up for Canada, who strengthened their coaching staff last week with the addition of former Inter Miami boss Phil Neville.
Panama vs Canada Over/Under analysis
Both teams served up five-goal games last time out, but there could be some major fatigue here for those players who’ve only just wrapped a long season in Europe. Even so, Canada’s pace was too much for Honduras back in March, and I see their attacking movement tiring the Panama defense.
If you’re leaning towards a low-scoring contest, you’re probably factoring in that Panama didn’t concede a single goal in their four Nations League games on the road to the semifinals. That organization and work rate will be key here, but this is a higher level of opposition, and Canada’s biggest strength is the link-up play between Davies, Larin, and David on sweeping attacks.
Given that Panama have scored in three of their last four games, there’s some value in BTTS at plus odds here, while the Under on 2.5 total goals is also appealing with the potential for a cagey battle in the Las Vegas heat.
Panama vs Canada game info
| Location: | Allegiant Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date: | Thursday, June 15, 2023 |
| Time: | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | Paramount+ |
Panama vs Canada key injuries
Panama: None.
Canada: Derek Cornelius D (Out).
Panama vs Canada weather
It’s going to be a scorcher in Las Vegas on Thursday, with energy-sapping temperatures in the low 90s at kick-off despite some cloud cover during the day.
