Mexico, led by Javier Aguirre, and Panama, under the guidance of Thomas Christiansen, will face off this Sunday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles (U.S.) in the Concacaf Nations League final. 

A Rivalry with History

The tension between the two sides dates back to 2013, when Mexico qualified for the Brazil 2014 World Cup not by its own merit, but thanks to a last-minute comeback by the United States against Panama, eliminating the Central American squad. A year later, during the 2015 Gold Cup, the Panamanians had El Tri — then coached by Miguel Herrera — on the ropes, but a controversial penalty shifted the match and helped Mexico lift the trophy.

Now, the Mexican side heads into the final motivated after a 2–0 win over Canada, in what was arguably their best match since the Qatar World Cup. Raúl Jiménez scored both goals, establishing himself as Mexico’s main attacking threat. On the other hand, Panama pulled off a major upset by defeating the United States 1–0, thanks to a stoppage-time goal by Cecilio Waterman, further confirming their rise as a regional power.

Confidence vs. Pressure

Panama arrives full of confidence after eliminating the tournament favorite. Christiansen’s squad has displayed tactical discipline, physical strength, and a collective spirit that’s tough to beat. Key players include midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla of Pumas UNAM, goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, and veteran Aníbal Godoy, who, at 35, continues to lead the team with experience and skill.

Meanwhile, Mexico knows they’ll face a rival with dangerous wing play, a solid defense, and forwards capable of striking at any moment. Aguirre will likely stick to the game plan that worked in the semifinal: a compact defense and quick transitions led by Santiago Giménez and Raúl Jiménez.

With Concacaf’s crown at stake and a history filled with unfinished business, both teams are set to deliver a thrilling final.

Probable lineups:

Mexico: Luis Malagón; Rodrigo Huescas, Édson Álvarez, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Erik Lira, Carlos Rodríguez, Julián Quiñones; César Huerta, Santiago Giménez, Raúl Jiménez.
Head coach: Javier Aguirre

Panama: Orlando Mosquera; César Blackman, Carlos Harvey, José Córdoba, Edgardo Fariña, Jorge Gutiérrez; Cristian Martínez, José Luis Rodríguez, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Aníbal Godoy; José Fajardo.
Head coach: Thomas Christiansen

Stadium: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles.