A new champion will be crowned in the Concacaf Nations League as Mexico and Panama meet in the final at SoFi Stadium on Sunday. Both teams are aiming for a significant victory as they look towards the 2026 World Cup in North America. Mexico enters their third Nations League final as the favorites, while Panama is making their debut in the final.
Mexico reached the final with a 2-0 victory over Canada. Raul Jimenez was the star, scoring twice. Mexico will rely on Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez to secure their first trophy since the 2023 Gold Cup. A win on Sunday would be a major boost for coach Javier Aguirre, who returned for his third term in October and is tasked with revitalizing the team.
Panama is looking to build on their impressive 1-0 win against the United States, the previous Nations League winner. Despite being the underdogs, Panama`s recent progress under coach Thomas Christiansen means they cannot be overlooked. This is their second continental final under Christiansen, who has elevated the team and has them on the verge of their first major title.
Here`s what you should know before the match.
Match Details 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
Match Prediction
Mexico is expected to win this match and, given the stakes, it`s hard to see them losing. With players like Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez in attack, Mexico should have a comfortable game and win their first Concacaf Nations League title. Prediction: Mexico 2, Panama 0
