USMNT looks to remain perfect during Copa America 2024 vs. Panama in Group C

The United States men’s national team (USMNT) looks to maintain a perfect start to the 2024 Copa America and wants to punch their ticket to the quarter-finals against Panama on Thursday evening in Atlanta.

They made easy work against Bolivia, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, on Sunday, thanks to a third-minute goal from Christian Pulisic and a finisher one minute before half-time by Folarin Balogun. But the challenges will only increase during the Copa America and Panama provides an incremental step forward.

This is a short-handed Panamanian team, ranked 43rd in the world (Bolivia was ranked 85th), that the United States will have to deal with. Their captain and midfielder Anibal Godoy was late for the tournament due to a left thigh injury. The man manager Thomas Christiansen selected to replace, defender Harold Cummings, declined the invitation, so Panama has a 25-man squad instead of 26.

They lost 3-1 to Uruguay – the biggest threat to the US – in their Group C opener, where they were doubled on shot attempts 20-10.

On paper, the Americans should control the game as they did against Bolivia on Sunday, where they controlled 61% of the ball and had 20 shot attempts compared to their opponents’ six. Those are the expectations when a team that claims they are capable of deep runs at major tournaments faces a team ranked so low.

The problem is that Panama has caused the United States a number of problems lately, including an upset semifinal at the Gold Cup last summer and an upset 2022 World Cup qualifying in October 2021.

Manager Gregg Berhalter and his side will have to overcome such hurdles against inferior continental opponents, but three points are crucial to securing a place in the next round of the competition, with Uruguay looming in the group finals. The South Americans are ranked 14th in the world and are teeming with world-class talent. If they go into the match on shaky ground, the pressure will be on considerably.

USMNT vs Panama viewing information, odds

• Date: Thursday June 27
• Time: 6:00 PM ET
• Place: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia
• Panama wins: +800
• USMNT to win: -275
• To draw: +400

Odds courtesy of DraftKings. For more, click here.

For more information on USMNT and Copa America 2024, visit AMNY.com