Panama vs. Canada - Nations League semifinal preview: TV channel/live stream, team news & prediction
Canada and Panama are set to clash in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal on June 15 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Canada is coming off a disappointing 2022 World Cup run, their second ever appearance at the competition, where they were swiftly eliminated after losing all three group stage games. But they bounced back, however, to book their place in the Nations League semifinals.
Panama unfortunately were unable to qualify for the most recent World Cup after making the tournament for the first time ever back in 2018. But a shot at silverware is up for grabs for the Central American country and they will throw everything but the kitchen sink at Canada to get a result.
This is the first time both sides have appeared in the Nations League semifinals after missing out in 2021. However, it's not the first time that the two countries have met as they've battled 13 times in the past with Canada leading the series 4-2.
Panama defeated Canada in their last meeting, 1-0, after losing to Canada 4-1 earlier on in World Cup Qualifiers.
Where to watch Panama vs. Canada on TV/live stream?
When is kick-off? 7:00 PM EST
Where is the game being played? Allegiant Stadium
TV channel/live stream? Univision NOW/Paramount+/CBS Sports Network/Univision Network
What time does TV coverage start? 6:55 PM EST
Panama team news
Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen guided his team to an unbeaten run in the group stage of the competition, winning three games one drawing one. A narrow victory against Costa Rica earned them a spot in the tournament's semifinals.
Christiansen will lean on Alberto Quintero, Ismael Diaz, Anibal Godoy, and Edgar Barcenas in hopes of reaching the final. Houston Dynamo's Coco Carrasquilla could have a part to play as well as former New York Red Bulls defender Michael Murillo.
Canada team news
After finishing first in Group C, Canada eased past Curacao and Honduras to reach the semifinals.
But Canada has made a couple of coaching and player changes in the buildup to the semifinal. They announced last week that Phil Neville (most recently with Inter Miami) and Richard Shaw would be joining as part of head coach John Herdman's staff for the Nations League and potentially the Gold Cup.
"Both Phil and Richard bring with them winning experiences at the highest levels and have worked with some of the premier leagues top managers during their careers," Herdman said. "They’ll work as positional and unit coaches with the aim of helping us to win our first trophy in over two decades."
On Saturday, the team announced that defender Derek Cornelius had withdrawn from the squad due to injury and will be replaced by Moise Bombito, earning his first ever call-up for Canada. Alphonso Davies and Cyle Larin will lead the line for Canada alongside Jonathan David.
Prediction
While Panama has impressed thus far in the tournament, they have a tall task ahead facing Canada's star-studded attack. However, their defending should be noted as they didn't allow a single goal during the group stage.
Canada will more than likely have just enough quality to reach the Nations League final with the likes of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David leading the way as they look to lift their first trophy since 2000.
Prediction: Panama 1 - Canada 2