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Mexico vs Panama Prediction, Match Preview, Live Stream, Odds and Picks
First Time Two Collide in Gold Cup Final
We all know that CONCACAF is always rooting for Mexico and USA to reach the Gold Cup final, like in 2019 and 2021, but Panama ruined the plans for the championship game of the 2023 edition. Los Canaleros, who have never won the title, defeated USA in the semifinals and now come in as the Gold Cup odds underdogs to defeat Mexico in the Grand Finale. That seems more than fair, as Mexico is vying for its 12th title.
Mexico: No Goals Allowed
After conceding only two goals during the Group Stage, Mexico hasn’t allowed a single goal in the knockout stages. First, they defeated Costa Rica 2-0 in the Quarterfinals. Los Ticos were able to only take one shot on target.
Most recently, Mexico had no trouble defeating Jamaica in the Semifinals. Henry Martin scored the opener only two minutes into the game. Luis Chavez scored the second right before the 30-minute mark. Finally, Roberto Alvarado made it 3-0 in stoppage time. Jamaica only took three shots on target.
There’s a saying that offense wins games, but defense wins championships. Well, Mexico seems to be a well-balanced squad, which is why they’re offering a -165 in the Gold Cup odds to win straight up.
Keep in mind that several starters got some rest during the game against the Reggae Boyz, including Edson Alvarez, Carlos Rodriguez and Julian Araujo. That means that, physically, all of them will be at 100%. Panama can’t say the same since they needed overtime to defeat USA.
Finally, let’s not forget that Mexico fired head coach Diego Cocca right before the start of the tournament. Jimmy Lozano took the reins as interim head coach, but winning the title could get him the job permanently. He’ll do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Panama: Nothing to Lose
Panama has nothing to lose and much to win. Los Canaleros weren’t even the favorites to win Group C, but they did it with an unbeaten record. They defeated Costa Rica and Martinique 2-1 and drew 2-2 against El Salvador.
Later, they showed no mercy to Qatar in the Quarterfinals and crushed them 4-0. Panama controlled the match from start to end, winning possession with 62% and taking 17 shots in total. Qatar only took four.
On Wednesday, they pulled off the stunner against USA in the semifinals. The match finished with a goalless draw. However, both scored during overtime. Ivan Anderson scored the opener for Panama, while Jesus Ferreira scored the equalizer. Later, Panama won the penalty shoot-out 5-4.
This will be the third time that Panama plays in the Grand Finale of the Gold Cup. In 2005, they lost in penalties against USA, while in 2013 they lost 1-0, also against the Stars and Stripes.
Regarding Sunday’s match, they’re offering a +525 price in the Gold Cup lines to win straight up. That’s a great deal, especially since Panama’s attacking unit is led by Ismael Diaz, who has scored four goals. Only Jesus Ferreira from USA has scored more with seven.
Mexico vs Panama Head-to-Head
Overall, Mexico and Panama have collided 25 times. Mexico has been dominant, winning 17 and only losing two. Most recently, they met on the road to the 2022 World Cup, where Mexico won 1-0 thanks to Raul Jimenez, who scored from the penalty spot.
Regarding the Gold Cup, this will be their sixth meeting. Panama won two of the last three and they’ve never drawn 0-0. That’s why the total for Sunday’s clash is set at two goals, with the over offering a -140 price, which could further improve via Gold Cup live betting.
Mexico vs Panama Match Information
- Match: Mexico vs Panama
- Date/Time: Sunday, July 16, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
- Mexico vs Panama Stream: fuboTV
Mexico vs Panama Betting Lines
Mexico vs Panama Picks and Prediction
The 3-0 victory over Jamaica allowed Mexico to regain a lot of confidence. On the other hand, Panama is highly motivated and eager to become the first team from Central America to win the Gold Cup title.
Two of the previous five meetings between these two in the Gold Cup finished with a draw, and the winning margin in the other three was one goal. You can expect a back-and-forth battle this time around, which I think will end 1-1.
