USA’s second Copa America match looks like a similar matchup to its opener against Bolivia, at least according to oddsmakers.

Panama has the more talented roster of the Americans’ first two Copa America opponents, but this is another game in which the U.S. should have a clear upper hand.

USA vs. Panama kicks off from Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 6 p.m. ET on Thursday on FOX.

USA vs Panama Moneyline Odds

Below are the three-way moneyline odds for Thursday’s match.

USA, Panama Group C Odds

Following USA’s 2-0 win over Bolivia in its Copa America opener and Panama’s 3-1 loss to Uruguay last Sunday, USA is a slight underdog behind Uruguay to win Group C, but heavily favored to finish at least second and advance.

At BetMGM, for example, the USMNT is -1600 to qualify and +125 to win Group C, while Panama is +900 to qualify and +2500 to win the group.

USA vs. Panama Betting Analysis

It’s interesting to see oddsmakers disrespecting Panama to this extent.

Yes, USA have a decided talent advantage on paper, but Panama has hung with the USMNT in meaningful competition a few times in the last couple years (though it has had its most success against reserve-heavy lineups).

USA vs. Panama Recent History

USA and Panama met twice in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup. Panama won 1-0 at home against a rotated XI in October 2021 before a full-strength USA dominated the rematch 5-1 in March 2022. Additionally, Panama upset a B.J. Callaghan-led American roster of mostly second-tier players in the semifinals of the 2023 Gold Cup last summer.

As for Thursday’s matchup, USA boasts a ton of players in key roles for top European clubs, while Panama’s best-known player is probably Houston Dynamo midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla.

There’s enough of a talent disparity between these squads to expect a comfortable win by the Americans. For that to happen, though, USA must do a better job finishing its opportunities and taking advantage of its control of the ball.

The Americans had a 60-40 possession advantage against Bolivia on Sunday and registered eight shots on goal. After a strong start, though (Christian Pulisic put his team on the board in the third minute), USA only scored one more goal the rest of the way against arguably the weakest team in the field.

Can USA Notch Another Shutout?

The biggest reason to like USA on Thursday might be its back line, which has traditionally limited scoring chances for second-tier opponents like Panama. (How Gregg Berhalter’s team fares against better competition is a topic for another time). Though Bolivia lack any true scoring threats, it was still encouraging to see USA allow just .2 expected goals (xG), especially after jumping out to an early lead.

Assuming Antonee Robinson, Tim Ream, Chris Richards and Joe Scally can contain Panama’s attack, which hardly threatened Uruguay until a meaningless 94th-minute goal in a 3-1 loss, the question here is about the Pulisic-led USA attack. How effective can it be against an opponent that won’t mind ceding possession? (Panama held the ball for just 39% of its loss to Uruguay).

USA vs. Panama Best Bets

Finding value in a match where the underdog is 7-to-1 — or longer — is never easy, but below are a couple parlays that should offer solid return.

Play 1: Parlay: USA to Win and Under 3.5 (-125) at DraftKings

Based on USA’s inability to pull away from Bolivia, a win and a score that stays under 3.5 feels like a safe bet. “USA Win and Under 2.5” (+225) offers a much better payout, but a big offensive night by the Red, White and Blue seems just likely enough to make Under 2.5 a bold swing.

Play 2: USA Win to Zero (-115) at DraftKings

Here’s another safe play that isn’t too expensive at -115. The US has proven it can win at home and keep clean sheets against CONCACAF rivals.

In fact, USA posted four shutouts and allowed just three goals in seven home CONCACAF qualifying matches for the 2022 World Cup, which are the best, most recent comps for a home Copa America clash like Thursday’s.

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