CONCACAF Gold Cup: Costa Rica vs Panama Prediction, Preview, and Odds (June 26)

• Panama kick off their Group C campaign with a tricky fixture against Costa Rica
• Both nations will be among the leading contenders to qualify for the next round

Fascinating action kicks off Group C in the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Monday, as two of the leading sides to progress through to the next round lock horns. Panama will be looking to build on an excellent showing in the Nations League, while Costa Rica could be a dark horse to go keep in the competition.

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How To Watch

• When: Monday, June 26, 2023, at 8:30 p.m ET
• Where: DRV PNK Stadium, Fort Lauderdale  
• How To Watch: FOX

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Odds

Match Result	Odds
Costa Rica
Draw
Panama

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Match Preview

This opening match in Group C of the CONCACAF Gold Cup could have a huge bearing on the side that tops the group. Costa Rica and Panama are the two leading sides in the betting to reach the knockout stage from this opening round, and both will be looking to get off to a perfect start with victory on matchday one in Fort Lauderdale.

Panama has recent form on their side, as they achieved a memorable run to the Nations League semi-finals. However, they come up short in the final four against Canada, before then losing in the match for third against Mexico. But, they have still won two of their last four matches, which includes a victory over Costa Rica in the Nations League.

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Costa Rica certainly has a point to prove against Panama, as they lost both times against their rivals in the Nations League group stages. But, the nation experimented with their team throughout the Nations League, meaning that the approach to matches in the Gold Cup will be contrasting.

Regardless, they still come into the tournament in disappointing recent form, with their only win in four previous matches coming against Martinique on March 25. The nation has also struggled in recent internationals, as they have suffered back-to-back defeats against Guatemala and Ecuador this month.

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Costa Rica vs Panama Prediction

Costa Rica certainly has the quality to pose questions of Panama on matchday one, but their recent form would be a huge concern. It is also a worry that they have won just once in seven previous internationals against Panama. Therefore, we will be siding with Panama registering a third straight win over Costa Rica on Monday.

Free Pick: