Concacaf Nations League Semifinals Recap: Panama and Mexico Advance to the Final

As the Concacaf Nations League approaches its conclusion, Friday brings excitement for both Panama and Mexico as they gear up for a showdown on Sunday in the final. The recent semifinals featured unexpected twists, notably the USMNT’s exit at the hands of Panama.

Upcoming Matches

Here’s a look at the upcoming football matches:

• Friday, March 21
  • 🌎 WCQ: Uruguay vs. Argentina, 7:30 p.m. ➡️ Fanatiz
  • 🇺🇸 NWSL: Portland Thorns vs. Angel City, 10 p.m. ➡️ Amazon Prime Video
• Saturday, March 22
  • 🏴 WSL: Arsenal vs. Liverpool, 1:30 p.m. ➡️ ESPN+
  • 🇺🇸 MLS: FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United, 2:30 p.m. ➡️ MLS Season Pass
  • 🇺🇸 NWSL: Washington Spirit vs. Kansas City Current, 7:30 p.m. ➡️ Ion
• Sunday, March 23
  • 🇺🇸 NWSL: Chicago Stars vs. Houston Dash, 3 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
  • 🇪🇺 UNL: Germany vs. Italy, 3:45 p.m. ➡️ FS2
  • 🌎 CNL: Canada vs. USMNT, 6 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network
  • 🏆 CNL: Mexico vs. Panama, 9:30 p.m. ➡️ Paramount+

USMNT’s Departure from Title Contention

The U.S. men’s national team faced an unexpected setback with a 1-0 defeat against Panama, which ended their bid for a fourth consecutive Concacaf Nations League title. Despite controlling play and attempting 12 shots—five of which were on target—the U.S. struggled to adapt to Panama’s defensive strategy.

Head Coach Mauricio Pochettino noted the team’s lack of aggression, particularly in the first half, which he described as “really painful to see.” As a result of this performance, questions arise regarding the potential of the USMNT’s “golden generation” ahead of the upcoming World Cup in just 15 months.

“I think the first half, I think we played too slow, so comfortable on the pitch,” stated Pochettino.

Key players like Christian Pulisic echoed Pochettino’s sentiments about the team’s energy, particularly in challenging their opponents’ defense. The USMNT will return to action on Sunday to face Canada in a third-place match.

Mexico Advances with Dominant Performance

In contrast to the USMNT, Mexico showcased their prowess with a comprehensive 2-0 victory over Canada at SoFi Stadium. Raul Jimenez opened the scoring within the first minute, setting an assertive tone for El Tri’s performance.

While Canada attempted to reclaim control with significant possession and 11 shots, their efficiency was lacking compared to Mexico’s sharper execution. The expected goals metric favored Mexico, indicating a more effective offensive display.

This victory positions Mexico as strong favorites for their first Concacaf Nations League title, a situation that marks a shift in momentum after previously falling short against the USMNT in two finals.

“It’s difficult to say. Their game plan was pretty clear… We need to be more relentless in front of the goal,” said Pulisic.

Looking Ahead: The Final and Third-Place Matchup

As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the decisive matches set for Sunday. The USMNT will seek redemption against Canada, while Mexico aims to secure a historic victory against Panama.

Final Thoughts

The outcome of the upcoming matches will not only impact the teams involved in the Nations League but also serve as critical indicators as all teams prepare for the challenges of the 2026 World Cup. Stay tuned for an exciting conclusion to the Concacaf Nations League!