For the first time, a new champion will be crowned in the Concacaf Nations League this Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Mexico and Panama are set to clash in the final, both aiming for a significant victory as they look ahead to the 2026 World Cup in North America. Mexico, a co-host for the upcoming World Cup, enters their third Nations League final as strong favorites. Panama, on the other hand, is competing in this final for the first time.
Mexico secured their place in the final by defeating Canada 2-0. Despite Canada`s energetic play, Mexico proved more clinical in front of goal. Raul Jimenez was the star, scoring twice, including an early goal in the first minute and another in the second half. He, along with Santiago Gimenez, AC Milan`s in-form striker, will be key players for Mexico as they seek their first trophy since the 2023 Gold Cup, a tournament where they missed some of their key players. A victory on Sunday would greatly boost confidence in Javier Aguirre, who began his third tenure as team manager in October and is tasked with revitalizing a team that has been underperforming recently despite historically being a top team in Concacaf.
Panama is looking to build on their impressive 1-0 victory over the United States men`s national team, the only previous winner of the competition. While considered underdogs, Panama`s consistent improvement in recent years, especially under coach Thomas Christiansen, means they should not be underestimated. This marks their second continental final under Christiansen, who has effectively guided them to exceed expectations and is now just one game away from securing their first major trophy.
How to Watch and Betting Odds
- Date: Sunday, March 23
- Location: SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, California
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Mexico -220; Draw +300; Panama +550
Projected Starting 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
Game Prediction
Mexico is heavily favored to win this match, and given the stakes, it`s unlikely they will falter. With strong attacking options like Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez, Mexico is expected to have a comfortable game and claim their first Nations League title. Prediction: Mexico 2, Panama 0
