Canada have done it, clinching an automatic berth at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after emphatically defeating Jamaica in the penultimate matchday of qualifying on Sunday.
With the team's primary objective and plenty of celebrations now in the books, the only thing on the line Wednesday is bragging rights, with a confident Canadian team stressing their desire to finish on top of CONCACAF.
We'll break this game down with our Panama vs. Canada picks and predictions, with kickoff on March 30.
Panama vs Canada game info
• Location: Estadio Rommel Fernandez Gutierrez, Panama City, Panama
• Date: Wednesday, March 30, 2022
• Time: 9:05 p.m. ET
• TV: Sportsnet, OneSoccer
Panama vs Canada betting tips
Click on each pick for complete analysis
If you're signing up for a new sportsbook for some WCQ betting, here are two of the best bonuses available:
USA: Canada to lead at halftime and win the game BOOSTED to +250 (was +220) at bet365! Claim Now
Canada: Cyle Larin to score a goal tonight BOOSTED to +275 at Betway! Claim Now
Panama vs Canada match odds
Panama: +270
Canada: +110
Draw: +205
Total: 2.5
Over: +150
Under: -200
Panama vs Canada betting preview
Weather
Thunderstorms are forecast for a hot night in Panama City, with temperatures at kickoff expected to be around 85 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity upward of 70%.
Injuries
Panama: None.
Canada: None.
Panama vs Canada predictions
Side analysis
One would likely be quick to think an emotional letdown is ahead for Canada, just days after enjoying one of the biggest days in men's soccer history. There is, of course, likely to be a drop in intensity with the job done as well as considerable squad rotation in order to give more untested players a run in a competitive fixture. However, it's equally important to consider Panama's standing in all of this.
While Canada enter this game coming down from the highest of highs, this window has been an utter nightmare for Panama — and we've already seen them fold as a result. Wednesday's hosts entered this window in fourth and in a great position to at least finish in that place and head to the inter-continental playoff as a result.
Instead, they saw their World Cup dreams all but evaporate in the first of three games this window, drawing last-place and already eliminated Honduras in Panama as Costa Rica — then in fifth — beat Canada to skip past them. If we are talking letdowns then look no further than Panama's following match, in Orlando against the USMNT, as they were hammered 5-1 and officially eliminated from qualification contention.
So, we have two teams that largely have nothing to play for, albeit with the caveat Canada are clearly motivated to finish first in qualifying, which they would do with a draw or win. As a result of both teams' situations, heavily rotated squads should be expected. Both of these factors have us looking to Canada to finish qualifying off with a win.
We've already seen Canada embrace a moment and thrive, as they did on Sunday attacking Jamaica at will after the game was already put away in the second half. Panama, in contrast, folded against the U.S. with qualification hopes hanging in the balance. And the mark of this Canada team over the last year has been their fantastic depth, which will no doubt be on display after they named a largely unchanged team between Thursday and Sunday.
There is a cloud of uncertainty around this game, between two teams who have completed their qualifying journeys to different results. However, Canada's ability to meet the moment, as well as their depth, are two of the more certain factors to consider. As such, we'll back them to win and finish qualifying atop the CONCACAF table.
Prediction: Canada (+110)
Over/Under analysis
The 2.5 goal total here is -200 to the Under, compared to +150 to the Over, and we can't go against oddsmakers here.
That is, mostly, a reflection of our expectations for Panama here. Both in attack and in defense, they've created a fair bit of havoc in qualifying. Their games were averaging a qualifying-high 2.4 goals per 90 before a 5-1 loss to the United States on Sunday. However, the U.S., at home and needing a win to keep pace and qualify for the World Cup, is a different animal than Canada, away from home and already having secured a place.
Canada are likely to operate as they have in Central America throughout qualifying, sitting back and absorbing pressure and looking to create chances on the counter. That has proven to be a perfect formula to get positive results in difficult atmospheres — but it's not exactly a way to breed high-scoring games.
With so much uncertainty around this matchup, we don't love either side but would pick the Under. If you are looking for a goal total play in this one, we'll have it for you in our best bet.
Prediction: Under 2.5 (-200)
Best bet
So, while neither side of the 2.5 goal total for the game stands out as a particularly great play, we do like Over 1.5 goals for Canada (+150 at DraftKings).
Even after the USMNT put five past Panama on Sunday, Canada have scored a CONCACAF-leading 23 goals in 13 games. That has hardly been an unsustainable output, either, as it is coming from an expected goals total of 21.20. Panama, on the other hand, have now allowed 19 goals in 13 games, which is the third-most against in qualifying.
While squad rotation is a variable here, Canada are hardly short on attackers. We could see Ike Ugbo, who scored 16 goals in the Belgian first division last year as a 22-year-old, at striker. That's hardly a talent-poor option against Panama. And, most exciting of all, we could see 19-year-old Ismael Kone in attacking midfield. Kone has been superb to start the MLS season, with a goal and two assists in three starts, and is bound to head to Europe in the next two windows.
Canada still have plenty of firepower in attack and will want to carry on celebrations from Sunday. Count on them to score multiple goals for the sixth time in their last seven games.
Pick: Canada team total Over 1.5 (+150)
