Panama vs Puerto Rico Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Baseball Classic | Pool Stage

Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!

Panama are looking to bounce back following defeat to Cuba as they take on Pool A hosts Puerto Rico.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / USA – Fox Sports / Japan – Netflix

How to watch online: UK – Not streamed / USA – FOX One / Japan – Netflix

Panama vs Puerto Rico prediction

Panama’s bats struggled in their first match as they put up just one run in a 3-1 defeat. Whilst the pitching was good as Panama restricted Puerto Rico to just five hits, the same number they managed across five innings, the home run ball proved their downfall. It’s not going to get any easier here for the Panama hitters when you consider the pitching staff of Puerto Rico, even though Seth Lugo won’t feature as he started against Colombia.

It's likely that Panama will find runs hard to come by once again and Puerto Rico on home turf, should be able to take advantage. A smart value play would be backing the latter to win by a margin of over 2.5 runs via a handicap, as this Puerto Rican offense is capable of putting up a big inning or two across nine.

Panama vs Puerto Rico tip: Puerto Rico to win with -2.5 run handicap