This Sunday, SoFi Stadium will host the Concacaf Nations League final, a historic match as either Mexico or Panama will become a first-time winner of the competition. Both teams are highly motivated to secure a significant victory, especially with the 2026 World Cup in North America approaching. Mexico, a co-host for the upcoming World Cup, enters its third Nations League final as the favored team. Panama, on the other hand, is making its debut in the tournament final.
Mexico reached the final by defeating Canada 2-0 in the semi-finals. Despite Canada`s energetic play, Mexico demonstrated superior finishing, with Raul Jimenez scoring twice. Jimenez, along with Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan, who is in excellent form, will be key players for Mexico as they aim to win their first trophy since the 2023 Gold Cup. A victory on Sunday would greatly boost the confidence in Javier Aguirre, who began his third term as coach in October and is tasked with revitalizing the team after a period of underperformance.
Panama enters the final following an unexpected 1-0 victory over the United States, the previous champion of the Nations League. While considered underdogs, Panama`s consistent improvement over recent years, particularly under coach Thomas Christiansen, means they are a formidable opponent. This marks their second major final under Christiansen, who has successfully elevated the team`s performance and is now just one game away from securing Panama`s first major international trophy.
Match Details
- Date: Sunday, March 23
- Location: SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, California
Projected Lineups
Mexico: Luis Malagon, Israel Reyes, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vazquez, Roberto Alvarado, Carlos Rodriguez, Erik Lira, Jesus Gallardo, Santiago Gimenez, Raul Jimenez, Alexis Vega
Panama: Orlando Mosquera, Cesar Blackman, Carlos Harvey, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Jorge Gutierrez, Christian Martinez, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Anibal Godoy, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Jose Fajardo
Prediction
Mexico is heavily favored to win this match, and given the stakes, it`s likely they will succeed. With strong attacking players like Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez, Mexico is expected to perform well and claim their first Concacaf Nations League title. Prediction: Mexico 2, Panama 0
