
- Fixture: Panama vs Jamaica (2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Group C)
- Date: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
- Venue: Q2 Stadium, Austin, Texas
Match Preview
The final group stage clash between Panama and Jamaica at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup promises fireworks at Austin’s Q2 Stadium. Both sides have everything to play for, with a spot in the knockout rounds potentially on the line. Historically, Panama have enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture, winning six of the last ten encounters, but Jamaica’s recent improvements and attacking talent mean this is no foregone conclusion.
Panama come into this match on the back of two wins, including a confidence-boosting 5-2 win over Guadeloupe, where Ismael Diaz starred with a brace and Cristian Martinez impressed in midfield. However, their previous outing saw them stumble to a 0-1 defeat against Jamaica in March’s Nations League, a result that will be fresh in their minds as they seek redemption. Panama’s form has been patchy, with a heavy 0-3 loss to Mexico earlier this year, but their ability to score goals in bunches makes them a dangerous opponent.
Jamaica, meanwhile, have had a mixed run of results. They suffered a surprise 0-1 defeat to Guatemala in their last group game, despite dominating possession and creating more chances. Prior to that, the Reggae Boyz eked out a 1-0 win over Panama in March and showed resilience in their Nations League campaign, including a dramatic away-goals victory over Canada in November. However, injuries and squad changes could play a role, with key winger Bobby De Cordova-Reid and goalkeeper Andre Blake both struggling with injuries in the build-up to this tournament.
Squad news is crucial for both teams. Panama coach Thomas Christiansen has a full-strength squad at his disposal, including the in-form Diaz and Martinez, and will likely stick with the attacking approach that dismantled Guadeloupe. Jamaica, on the other hand, are missing Demarai Gray due to personal reasons and could also be without De Cordova-Reid and Blake, putting more pressure on Leon Bailey and young Renaldo Cephas to deliver in the final third. Defensive solidity will be paramount for Jamaica, especially given Panama’s recent scoring exploits.
Key Players
- Panama:
- Ismael Diaz (forward): Fresh off a brace, he’s the main attacking threat.
- Cristian Martinez (midfielder): Pulled the strings against Guadeloupe and provides creativity.
- Jose Fajardo (forward): Always a danger in the box.
- Jamaica:
- Leon Bailey (winger): The team’s creative spark and biggest attacking threat.
- Renaldo Cephas (forward): Expected to step up in Gray’s absence.
- Ethan Pinnock (defender): Key to organizing the backline, especially with possible absentees in goal.
Prediction
This match is set up to be a tense, competitive affair. Panama’s attacking form and historical dominance give them a slight edge, especially with Jamaica missing some key personnel. However, Jamaica’s pace on the counter and individual quality mean they can’t be written off. Expect a close contest, but with Panama’s firepower and home-continent advantage, they could just edge it.
Prediction: Panama 2-1 Jamaica.
Betting Markets & Odds
Market | Odds | Bet Now |
---|---|---|
Panama Win | 2/1 | Bet Now |
Jamaica Win | 8/5 | Bet Now |
Draw | 11/5 | Bet Now |
Panama -1 Handicap | 9/2 | Bet Now |
Both Teams to Score | 10/11 | Bet Now |
Over 2.5 Goals | 6/5 | Bet Now |
First Half Draw | 11/10 | Bet Now |
Ismael Diaz Anytime | 2/1 | Bet Now |
Leon Bailey Anytime | 5/2 | Bet Now |
Odds may vary; always check the latest prices before betting.
This Gold Cup clash is set to be a highlight of the group stage, with both teams desperate to secure their place in the next round. Expect drama, goals, and plenty of passion under the Texas lights.