In a stunning turn of events, Panama knocked the United States out of the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on March 20, 2025, with a last-minute goal that took everyone by surprise. The match, held at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, showcased an intense showdown between the two nations, with Panama advancing to the finals after a 1-0 victory.
The U.S. entered the match aiming to revalidate their title, having won the last four editions of the Nations League. Their journey included defeating Jamaica 5-2 in the quarterfinals, which solidified their status as pre-match favorites. Conversely, Panama looked to make history by becoming the first Central American team to reach the Nations League final, preparing after a tough 3-2 aggregate win over Costa Rica in the quarterfinals.
Kickoff for the match was at 5:00 PM CST, and it quickly became evident that the U.S. was eager to assert their dominance on the field. They controlled 67% of the possession and had 12 shots, five of which were on target. Despite their attacking pressure, the U.S. struggled to convert their opportunities into tangible results.
Panic seemed to creep into the U.S. squad as the match wore on. Jack McGlynn and Patrick Agyemang were brought on in the 68th minute to invigorate their attack, but it wasn’t enough. Agyemang nearly provided the breakthrough but was thwarted by Panamanian goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera, who gave a heroic performance throughout the game.
The first half ended in a stalemate. Both teams headed into the locker room with a 0-0 deadlock. Josh Sargent almost put the U.S. on the scoreboard, hitting the post in the 20th minute. Shortly thereafter, he had a goal ruled out for offside, a decision that left players and fans frustrated.
As the minutes ticked away in the second half, the tension was palpable. The game appeared destined for extra time. Then, in a shocking twist, Cecilio Waterman, who had recently come off the bench, seized an opportunity in stoppage time. In the 94th minute, he unleashed a powerful shot from just outside the penalty area, beating U.S. goalkeeper Matt Turner. That goal not only clinched the match but also silenced the American supporters in attendance.
“It was a complete team effort,” Waterman said after the match, his voice tinged with excitement. “We came in prepared and believed we could win. This victory means everything for us.”
With the loss, the United States finds itself exiled from the championship match on Sunday, a shocking development for a team that has dominated the Nations League in recent years. They will now face the loser of the other semifinal, which pits Canada against Mexico, in a third-place match.
This unexpected defeat brings into focus the recent history between the two teams. In their last three encounters, the U.S. had managed only one win, while Panama claimed two victories, including a crucial 2-1 win in the group stage of the 2024 Copa América. This rivalry has evolved over the years, and Panama is now emerging as a legitimate competitor.
Head coach Mauricio Pochettino had fielded a strong side, including notable players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Yunus Musah, but their efforts rarely translated into effective attacking plays against the well-organized Panamanian defense.
“We controlled the game, but we didn’t create enough clear chances to win,” Pochettino lamented in the post-match interview. “We need to learn from this experience and be more ruthless in front of goal.”
The United States lineup featured Matt Turner in goal, with defenders including Joe Scally and Tim Ream. In midfield, players like McKennie and Musah were tasked with dictating the tempo, while Sargent, Pulisic, and Weah worked to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Panama. However, the timely substitutions from Panama coach Thomas Christiansen paid off, with Waterman’s late goal proving pivotal.
As for Panama, they will now prepare to face either Canada or Mexico in the final, having already secured a significant achievement by defeating the reigning champions. The camaraderie and determination from the Panamanian squad have fueled their ambitions in this tournament, and they are looking to capitalize on this momentum.
For U.S. soccer fans, the loss is a harsh reminder of the unpredictability of knockout-style tournaments, where anything can happen on a given day. The United States must refocus and regroup as they shift their sights from defending their title to competing for a consolation prize.
Ultimately, Panama’s victory in the semifinals has shifted the narrative of this edition of the Nations League. As they head into the finals, they have not only stunned their opponents but also forged a path for the future of Central American football, underlining that they are not to be underestimated.
