Mexico claimed the Concacaf Nations League title for the first time by defeating Panama 2-1 in the final held on March 23, 2025, at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
This triumph marked a successful start to the new era under coach Javier ‘El Vasco’ Aguirre and fills El Tri with hope as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Mexico vs Panama in the Concacaf Nations League Final
The match started with intensity from Mexico, looking to set the pace from the very beginning.
In the 8th minute, Raúl Jiménez, the Fulham striker, opened the scoring with a precise header after a perfect cross from Roberto Alvarado.
This early goal reflected El Tri’s initial dominance and ignited hope among the Mexican fans.
However, Panama did not back down and looked to level the game.
In added time of the first half, a foul inside the box on Cecilio Waterman led Guatemalan referee Mario Alberto Escobar to award a penalty after consulting VAR.
Adalberto Carrasquilla calmly converted the penalty to equalize 1-1 just before the break.
A handball changed the course of everything.
During the second half, Mexico maintained possession of the ball but struggled to break through Panama’s well-organized defense.
Frustration became evident among Mexican fans, who resorted to the controversial homophobic chant directed at the opposing goalkeeper, forcing the referee to stop the match in the 83rd minute.
This behavior has been the subject of fines and warnings from both Concacaf and FIFA in the past.
Just when everything seemed to be heading towards extra time, an imprudent handball by Panamanian defender José Córdoba inside the box in the 92nd minute awarded Mexico a decisive penalty.
Raúl Jiménez stepped up with confidence and calmly converted the penalty, sealing Mexico’s 2-1 victory.
This brace not only secured the title for El Tri but also cemented Jiménez as a key figure in Mexico’s attacking force.
Historical Impact of the Title
This title represents a significant milestone for Mexico, which had previously been runner-up twice, both times defeated by the United States.
The Concacaf Nations League, inaugurated in 2019, had seen the United States crowned champions in all three previous editions.
Mexico’s victory breaks this dominance and adds a new trophy to its rich football history.
The arrival of Javier Aguirre as Mexico’s head coach brought experience and stability to the team.
Under his guidance, El Tri showcased a combination of defensive solidity and offensive efficiency—key elements that proved crucial to their success in this tournament.
Aguirre’s ability to manage high-pressure moments and his deep knowledge of international football were determining factors in securing the title.
Panama: A Worthy Opponent
Panama, for its part, proved to be a worthy and competitive opponent.
Their path to the final included a remarkable victory over the United States in the semifinals, where a goal from Cecilio Waterman in the 94th minute secured their spot in the decisive match.
Panama’s performance in the final demonstrated their growth within the Concacaf football landscape and their ability to compete at the highest level.
My respects to Panama, which has grown tremendously. They have a solid, well-trained team. Thomas Christiansen has been leading the group for four years, and today they're not playing the finals to see what happens, but to win them
Javier Aguirre, Tri's coach
Celebration at SoFi Stadium
For the large Hispanic community in the United States, especially the Mexican community, this victory holds a special significance.
The SoFi Stadium, located in an area with a high concentration of Latino fans, became the epicenter of celebrations and expressions of national pride.
The victory not only represents a sporting achievement but also serves as a source of unity and celebration for Mexicans living in the country.
Moreover, the match was broadcast on Spanish-language channels like Univisión and Telemundo, allowing millions of Spanish-speaking viewers in the U.S. to closely follow the event—strengthening their connection to their roots and their passion for soccer.
A triumph for Mexican soccer
Buzzy
Mexico’s triumph in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League not only breaks a streak of runner-up finishes but also reaffirms El Tri’s position as a powerhouse in regional soccer.
The leadership of Javier Aguirre and the resurgence of players like Raúl Jiménez promise a bright future for the Mexican national team as they face upcoming international challenges.
And you, how did you experience Mexico’s historic victory in the Concacaf Nations League?
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