Both teams opened their campaigns with victories and now face off for first place in Group C. Guatemala stunned Jamaica 1–0 in their opener, while Panama flexed their attacking muscle in a 5–2 rout of Guadeloupe. With knockout stage implications on the line, this clash promises intensity, tactical nuance, and regional pride.
Guatemala: Defensive Discipline Meets Rising Confidence
Record: 1–0–0 (3 points)
Last Match: 1–0 win vs Jamaica
FIFA Ranking: 113
Key Players:
Óscar Santis – Scored the match-winner vs Jamaica; now tied for 10th all-time in Guatemalan goals.
Nicholas Hagen – The goalkeeper posted a clean sheet and made two key saves in the opener.
José Carlos Pinto – Anchors a backline that has kept three clean sheets in its last four Gold Cup group games.
Strengths:
Compact Defense: Guatemala has conceded just two goals in its last five Gold Cup group matches.
Momentum: Unbeaten in five straight Gold Cup group games dating back to 2021.
Set Piece Threat: Santis and Darwin Lom offer aerial danger on corners and free kicks.
Concerns:
Scoring Depth: Just one goal from open play in the last two matches.
Historical Struggles vs Panama: Winless in their last 11 meetings (0W–1D–10L).
Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Hagen; Herrera, Pinto, Samayoa, Morales; Franco, Saravia; Santis, Rubin, Castellanos; Lom
Panama: Offensive Firepower and Tournament Pedigree
Record: 1–0–0 (3 points)
Last Match: 5–2 win vs Guadeloupe
FIFA Ranking: 45
Key Players:
Ismael Díaz – Scored a brace in the opener; now has 4 goals in his last 3 Gold Cup appearances.
Aníbal Godoy – Panama’s all-time caps leader (149), controls tempo from midfield.
Eduardo Guerrero – Netted a goal and added an assist vs Guadeloupe.
Strengths:
Explosive Attack: Panama has scored 10 goals in its last three competitive matches.
Gold Cup Experience: 2023 runners-up and semifinalists in 2021.
Versatile Midfield: Martinez, Harvey, and Godoy provide balance and creativity.
Concerns:
Defensive Lapses: Conceded twice in the first half vs Guadeloupe.
Injury Watch: Cristian Martinez left the opener with a knock and is questionable.
Projected XI (4-2-3-1):
Mosquera; Murillo, Escobar, Andrade, Gutierrez; Harvey, Godoy; Rodriguez, Martinez, Díaz; Guerrero
Head-to-Head History
| Matchup | Result |
| Last 5 Meetings | Panama 3W – 2D – 0L |
| 2023 Nations League | Panama 3–0 Guatemala |
| All-Time Record | Panama 19W – 13L – 10D |
Panama is unbeaten in 11 straight vs Guatemala, dating back to 2005.
Guatemala has failed to score in 6 of the last 8 meetings.
Panama’s attacking depth and tournament experience give them the edge, but Guatemala’s defensive structure and recent form suggest a tight contest. Expect a physical midfield battle and late-game drama.
MATCH ODDS
Guatemala + 390 Draw + 260 Panama – 130
Over 2.5 + 110 Under 2.5 – 140
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, June 19, 2025
