Canada vs. Panama: CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Odds, Prediction

Daniel Coyle
March 30, 2022

The Canucks locked up their first berth in the FIFA World Cup in 36 years with Sunday’s dominating 4-0 win over Jamaica to maintain their lead atop the octagonal table. Panama was bounced from World Cup contention with Sunday’s crushing 5-1 loss to the United States, but have earned at least a point in each of their six octagonal clashes on home turf.

Despite their recent steady performance at home, Panama look to Wednesday’s qualifying finale as lengthy +336 underdogs. Canada has emerged as strong -129 favourites to win on the World Cup soccer odds. The odds of this contest ending in a draw are pegged at +259, with strong -164 odds favouring the total to go UNDER 2.5.

Canada vs. Panama World Cup Qualifying Betting Analysis

Wednesday night’s matchup at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez in Panama City marks the second meeting between these sides during the current round of World Cup qualifying. Canada romped to a dominating 4-1 win when these squads met at BMO Field back in December. With that victory, Canada improved their win-draw-loss record in non-friendly action versus the Canaleros to 4-4-1. However, the Canadians are winless in seven previous visits to Panama across all competitions, going 0-6-1 over that stretch.

Now locked into fifth place on the octagonal table, Panama have struggled to shut down offences during this round of qualifying. The Canaleros have surrendered 19 total goals through 13 matches, with 10 of those markers coming over their past three dates with the top three teams on the table. And while Panama trail only Canada and the United States in scoring, they have mustered just two total goals over their past three outings.

Canada rose to the occasion versus Jamaica after being foiled in their first bid to punch their ticket to Qatar with last week’s 1-0 loss in Costa Rica. However, with a chance to improve their positioning in Friday’s World Cup draw, the Canadians still have plenty to play for. While still well positioned to finish first, even in the event of a tie with the US and Mexico, the Canadians can erase all doubt simply by earning a point on Wednesday night.

Canada

Canada continued to receive offensive contributions from up and down the lineup in Sunday’s historic win, with four different players each finding the back of the net. That extends a trend that has seen eight players combine to score the team’s past 10 goals. And while concerns over an emotional letdown are understandable, it is tough to overstate this squad’s recent dominance. Canada surrendered just one shot to Jamaica, and outplayed the Ticos by a wide margin despite being down a man for the final 60 minutes of last week’s frustrating loss.

Panama

While Panama enjoyed a clear advantage in possession, they struggled with discipline versus the US. American striker Christian Pulisic converted a pair of penalty opportunities that sealed the Canaleros’ worst defeat in non-friendly action since their 6-1 loss to England at the 2018 World Cup. However, the Canucks can ill afford to underestimate Panama goalkeeper Luis Mejia, who has allowed just five total goals in six home dates with the national team.