1993 saw the first time that Copa America opened its doors to nations from outside South America, and the move has proven very advantageous to the growth of what was already an iconic and hugely popular competition. The popularity is self-evident for any supporters seeking out the United States Men’s National Team vs Panama Copa America tickets, with these proving very tough to source unless, of course, you do so via SeatPick.
In 1916, the first-ever South American Football Championship was played, or Campeonato Sudamericano de Fútbol for those fluent in Spanish and Campeonato Sul-Americano de Futebol in Portuguese, and Argentina were the hosts as Uruguay ran out winners with Brazil and Chile rounding out the four teams that took part.
The competition has expanded and matured over the century-plus of its existence, with ten entrants in 1975 and twelve by 1993.
Indeed, in some editions, 16 teams have taken part, including nations as far afield as Japan and Qatar. The tournament is one that is eagerly awaited by millions of fans who are keen to travel to the host nation and make a footballing fiesta out of the event, combining their trip with an unforgettable holiday.
Getting tickets can prove taxing, but, as we mentioned earlier, SeatPick takes away all the pain and annoyance from the process.
Simply select the relevant game you wish to attend and then select from the countless ticketing options available from the hundreds of trusted ticket reseller sites we work with, and within a click or two, you could be on your way to seeing your chosen national team in action in this iconic event.
USA vs Panama Copa America Tournament Record
The United States first appeared in the Copa America in 1993 and came away from the tournament in Ecuador with one draw from their three group games and were duly on the first plane back home.
Two years later, at the 1995 event in Uruguay, they were a far brighter prospect. Wins over Chile and Argentina, the latter being a surprise 3-0 thumping, saw the United States qualify for the Quarter-Finals, where they met Mexico, who they beat after a penalty shoot-out.
Next up for Steve Sampson’s side came Brazil in the Semi-Finals, a game that saw the Samba Boys sneak through 1-0 thanks to a goal from Aldair. Their next Copa America came in 2007 and saw the US secure zero points in an immediately forgettable campaign.
2016 was an entirely different story. The finals were hosted in the United States, and Jurgen Klinsmann’s side greatly benefitted from home support as they once again negotiated a path through the group phase before beating Ecuador in the Quarter-Finals in Seattle with former Fulham and Tottenham attacker Clint Dempsey netting in a 2-1 victory.
Then came a Semi-Final match-up with Argentina in Houston, a game that saw La Albiceleste make light work of the Americans. Former Napoli and PSG forward Ezequiel Lavezzi scored in three minutes to put Gerardo Martino’s side ahead, and Lionel Messi made it 2-0 after half an hour.
One-time Chelsea striker Gonzalo Higuain then scored twice in the second half to complete the rout before Argentina went on to lose the final to Chile on penalties.
Panama have only previously appeared in one edition of the Copa America, and that came in 2016.
The squad coached by Colombian Hernan Dario Gomez certainly didn’t embarrass themselves in the United States, proving very worthy competitors in the tournament.
Los Canaleros started the campaign with an impressive win over Bolivia, with Blas Perez scoring twice in a 2-1 victory in Orlando. They then came back down to earth with a bump as Lionel Messi grabbed a hat-trick in a 5-0 win for Argentina, and Panama closed out their group with a 4-2 defeat to Chile and thus failed to make it out of the group.
USA vs Panama Head-to-Head
The United States and Panama have never previously met in the Copa America, which adds further spice to this clash.
They have met on numerous occasions in both FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns and in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
In the qualifying phase for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Americans put Panama to the sword in Orlando. AC Milan ace Christian Pulisic scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 win for Gregg Berthalter’s side, and that more than made up for an earlier 1-0 loss they suffered in Panama City six months previously.
