The top two teams in the 2022 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying standings will meet on Wednesday when Mexico visit Panama at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez Gutierrez. First place in the final stage will be up for grabs when these teams meet.
Panama has a win and a draw in its first two contests to sit in second place in the standings with 4 points. Panama were denied a dream start to their FIFA World Cup qualifiers as they played out a goalless draw against Costa Rica. However, they quickly returned to winning ways in their subsequent outing as they managed a 3-0 victory away against Jamaica.
Set to play probably the toughest team in CONCACAF next could be just what Panama need to maintain their focus, as you would not think that they would overlook a side who they have not beaten in a competitive game since 2013, not to mention the fact that they have only scored three goals against El Tri in their last 10 encounters.
Mexico on the other hand are the best in the standings just ahead of their opponents after winning comfortably in both matches played. First, they beat Jamaica 2-1 at home and then defeated Costa Rica 1-0 on the road. They come into this match to extent the record to secure the ticket to Qatar next year.
In the final stage of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup, the Mexicans were humbled by Panama in their second game, as they were held to zero shots on target in Panama City, despite having 72% of the possession.
If Mexico wins this game, it would mark the first time that this side have won their opening three matches in the final qualifying round since their 1978 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Panama vs Mexico head to head
On the 17 head to head matches between the two sides since 2005, Mexico has had 11 victories Panama managing only 2 wins and 4 ended in a draw. Panama haven’t won any of their last 4 games against Mexico. However, they haven’t lost in any of their last 5 home matches.
- Mexico 3-0 Panama 01/07/21
- Panama 0-3 Mexico 16/11/19
- Mexico 3-1 Panama 16/10/19
- Mexico 1-0 Panama 02/09/17
- Panama 0-0 Mexico 16/11/16
Home
- Jamaica 0-3 Panama
- Panama 0-0 Costa Rica
- Panama 3-1 Grenada
- Panama 2-3 Honduras
- Qatar 3-3 Panama
Away
- Costa Rica 0-1 Mexico
- Mexico 2-1 Jamaica
- USA 1-0 Mexico
- Mexico 2-1 Canada
- Mexico 3-0 Honduras
Panama team news
Éric Davis and Édgar Bárcenas remain in doubt after coming off with injuries on the game against Jamaica.
Mexico team news
Alexis Vega was hooked off with an injury against Costa Rica in the first half.
Prediction and odds
- Goals under 2.5
- Double chance ( Draw/ Mexico win)
