Match Preview: USA vs Panama
USA faces Panama in Group B on June 13, 2026. The match will be played at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey. USA (FIFA #13) enters as favorites against Panama (FIFA #37). Both teams are managed by experienced coaches - Mauricio Pochettino for USA and Thomas Christiansen for Panama. This Group B encounter could be crucial for qualification to the knockout rounds.
13
FIFA Ranking
37
CONCACAF
Confederation
CONCACAF
Mauricio Pochettino
Coach
Thomas Christiansen
4-3-3
Formation
5-4-1
Recent Form (Last 5 Matches)
USA
W
W
D
W
L
Panama
D
L
W
D
L
Head-to-Head Record
27
Total Matches
17
USA Wins
4
Draws
6
Panama Wins
This will be the first World Cup meeting between these CONCACAF rivals.
Last Meeting: USA 2-0 Panama (June 23, 2024)
Copa América
Copa América
Match Prediction & Analysis
Prediction: USA Strong Favorite
USA 3-0 Panama
The USA (#13 FIFA) faces CONCACAF rival Panama (#37) at home in a crucial Group B opener. The hosts are overwhelming favorites with superior squad quality and home advantage. Panama will defend deep and look to frustrate, but USA's attacking talent should prevail. Pochettino will demand professional performance from his team. USA needs to avoid complacency and secure three points early. Crowd at MetLife Stadium will be massive advantage for USMNT.
Key Factors
- USA's massive home advantage
- Panama's defensive organization
- Pressure on USA to win as hosts
- Christian Pulisic leading USMNT attack
Predicted Starting Lineups
USA (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Matt Turner
Defenders
Sergiño Dest
Chris Richards
Tim Ream
Antonee Robinson
Midfielders
Tyler Adams
Weston McKennie
Yunus Musah
Forwards
Christian Pulisic
Folarin Balogun
Timothy Weah
Panama (5-4-1)
Goalkeeper
Luis Mejía
Defenders
Michael Murillo
Fidel Escobar
Eric Davis
Roderick Miller
José Córdoba
Midfielders
Édgar Bárcenas
Aníbal Godoy
Cristian Martínez
Alberto Quintero
Forwards
José Fajardo
Venue Information
MetLife Stadium
Location: New York/New Jersey, USA
Capacity: 82,500
Surface: Artificial turf
Expected Weather
☀️ Sunny
🌡️ 26°C (79°F)
💧 62%
💨 14 km/h
How to Watch USA vs Panama
United States
FOX
Universo
Peacock
Canada
TSN
International
FIFA+
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does USA vs Panama kick off?
USA vs Panama kicks off on June 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
Where can I watch USA vs Panama?
The match will be broadcast on FOX and Universo in the USA. Streaming available on Peacock and FIFA+.
Is USA expected to win?
Yes, USA is heavily favored with higher FIFA ranking (#13 vs #37), home advantage, and superior squad quality.
Have they met at a World Cup before?
No, this will be the first World Cup meeting between USA and Panama, though they've played 27 times in CONCACAF competitions.
Why is this match important for USA?
As hosts, USA is under pressure to perform. Winning the opener builds confidence and momentum for matches against England and Uruguay.