The final round of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers is here, but sadly the game between Panama and Canada won’t have an impact on qualification. The game will go on with Canada having already secured a spot in Friday’s World Cup draw as the Octagonal leaders. But Panama was eliminated on Sunday with a 5-1 loss at the United States.
Canada will head to a FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, and they sit top of the group without a loss in the qualification. The only real question about this game for the Canadians is if they play a regular squad or hand international debuts to young players and use the game as an audition for those on the fringe of making the final World Cup squad.
Panama will be playing for pride after sliding out of not only top three contention but also missing out on the playoff spot when Costa Rica won on Sunday. They haven’t lost a match on home soil since 2019 and will have a chance to extend that streak,
Last game records
Canada demolished Jamaica 4-0 on Sunday to clinch their first World Cup berth in nearly 40 years. Meanwhile, Panama lost to the US 5-1, with Anibal Godoy scoring late to avoid the shutout.
These teams met in October in Toronto in front of 26,622 fans. Panama scored in the fifth minute through Rolando Blackburn, but an own goal in the 28th minute tied the game. Canada dominated the second half with goals from Alphonso Davies, Tajon Buchanan, and Jonathan David to win 4-1.
Canada lead the all-time series 4-1, with seven draws between the two countries. The teams have a pair of Gold Cup draws, and the home team has never lost in the series. The last time Canada went to Panama was in September 2012 for the 2014 World Cup qualification round, and Panama won 2-0
Matchup Information
- Wednesday, March 30, 9:00 p.m. ET, Paramount+
- Estadio Rommel Fernandez
- Panama City, Panama.
Canada vs Panama Betting Analysis
Panama
Nothing went right for Panama on Sunday in Orlando as they conceded two first-half penalties and were never really in the game. They usually play an aggressive physical style, but they were pushed around by the US team and suffered their worst loss since a 6-1 defeat to England at the 2018 World Cup.
Manager Thomas Christiansen has bounced between a 4-2-2-2 and a 4-2-3-1 in the qualification process. With the 4-2-3-1 against Honduras, he made three changes to the starting lineup, two of them in the back four, with Andres Cedeno and Jorge Gutierrez getting the starts.
Godoy scored in both games against the US in this cycle, and the Nashville SC man is the captain. Christiansen could make more changes for this match with his side eliminated. On Sunday, he started Eric Davis in defense over Gutierrez, while Freddy Gondola started in midfield instead of Jose Luis Rodriguez.
Striker Gabriel Torres has 22 career goals in 100 caps and came off the bench against the US. Blackburn started up top after scoring against Honduras in the previous game. Christensen subbed out three of the five starting midfielders on Sunday as the game got out of hand.
Alberto Quintero picked up his 122nd cap on Sunday and now has the third-most appearances in team history. Luis Mejia is the man in goal for Panama. Fidel Escobar and Michael Murillo are the constants in the backline, the latter playing in Belgium for Anderlecht.
Canada
The job has been accomplished for Canada, and now they can rest on their laurels in the final qualification game. Almost a victory lap of sorts for John Herdman and his squad after they dominated Jamaica 4-0 on Sunday.
It has been 36 long years since Canada made the World Cup, using nearly 300 players in that span and, on a few occasions, not even making it to the last round of qualification in CONCACAF.
But this time around, they have been the darlings of the region with a CONCACAF-best 23 goals. They could still move up in the FIFA World Rankings before Friday’s World Cup draw, which would see them change seeding pots. Finishing top of the group would allow for that possibility and a better spot in the World Cup group stage.
The goals against Jamaica came from Cyle Larin, Buchanan, Junior Hoilett, and an own goal finished off the scoring. Canada played in a 4-5-1 with Milan Borjan in goal and a backline of Sam Adekugbe, Doneil Henry, Richie Laryea, and Scott Kennedy. Larin, Buchanan, Hoilett featured in midfield alongside Stephen Eustaquio and Jonathan Osorio, with David up top.
If he plays in this game, Larin has a chance to move up the goal-scoring records for CONCACAF Qualification. He has 13 total goals in the qualification round and leads the Octagonal with six. The CONCACAF record is 15 goals, set by Carlos Pavon for Honduras in 2002.
If Borjan starts again, he will move into eighth on the Canada list with 64 caps, but it is more likely that Dayne St. Clair makes his second career start in goal. Other youngsters like Kamal Miller (24), Ismael Kone (19), Liam Miller (22), and Ike Ugbo (23) could get into the lineup as well.
Updates
Neither team has any major suspensions for this contest. Canada gets Mark Anthony-Kaye back from red-card suspension.
Davies remains out for Canada as he recovers from myocarditis. He hasn’t played for Bayern Munich since December 17 and last played for Canada in November.
- Canada have not scored in six of their last seven visits to Panama
- Canada have won seven straight matches when scoring first
- Panama has allowed a goal in nine straight qualifiers
- Panama has six wins and three draws in their last nine home qualifiers
Canada vs Panama Betting Preview
With this game not having as much meaning and the lineups in flux, it is hard to handicap to make a prediction. Canada has a much better team on paper and has turned in better results lately.
Panama is tough to beat at home, and they will likely come out playing aggressively with nothing to lose.
Canada vs Panama Betting Prediction
Looking at the sports betting guides for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers predictions, Canada is favored at +110 while Panama is +270. A draw is at +205.
The goals scored is set at 2.5, with the over at +150 and the under at -200. Both teams to score is +105.
How to bet on Canada vs Panama
Given that this game has little meaning and the lineups are in flux, wait until the lineups are announced before making a bet. If Larin and David are playing, there will be a bigger chance for goals.
Final. Canada 1, Panama 0
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.