Thursday will be a historic day in Atlanta.
The first presidential debate will begin at 9 p.m. at CNN Studios in Midtown. About three miles away, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta, the USA-Panama Copa America match will have wrapped about an hour earlier.
Fans have been put on alert to expect road closures and delays and try to use public transportation.
As for the match itself, the USA is on alert to expect a physical encounter against Panama, which needs a result to stay alive.
The USA opened play at the Copa America with a 2-0 win over Bolivia while Panama fell to Uruguay 3-1. Uruguay dominated Los Canaleros in the first half, but they grew in confidence as the game went on.
Panama started Houston Dynamo star Coco Carrasquilla and four former MLS players Eric Davis, Michael Murillo, Cristian Martínez and José Fajardo.
It has reached the final four of the last three Concacaf championships, finishing second at the 2023 Gold Cup after beating the USA (fielding a “B” team) in the semifinals in a shootout and finishing fourth at the 2023 and 2024 Nations Leagues.
SUBSCRIBE TO KEEP READING
Start for $0 & enjoy free unlimited access for 30 days.
- Daily TV listings for U.S. and global soccer.
- Inside access to USA’s 2026 World Cup prep.
- Exclusive interviews with players and coaches.
- Expert analysis of top soccer headlines.
- Cancel anytime.
Already have an account? Sign in here.
CHECK OUT MORE STORIES
Not ready to subscribe? Sign up here for our free newsletter.
Already have an account? Sign in here.
