The U.S. men's national soccer team (USMNT) is gearing up for a pivotal match in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals, as they face off against Panama on Thursday, March 20, 2025. This encounter holds great significance for the team, marking a chance to secure their first trophy under the leadership of new head coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at the SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The stakes are particularly high as the winner of this match will move on to face either Mexico or Canada in the final, which is set for Sunday, March 23, 2025. The USMNT comes into this match favored, with odds set at -350. A draw stands at +390, while Panama sits at +850.
Historically, the USMNT has had a strong showing in Concacaf competitions, yet their last home loss to a domestic opponent was to none other than Panama. The two teams most recently met in a friendly match in 2024, where the USMNT claimed a 2-0 victory. However, in past competitive encounters, Panama has also triumphed over the U.S. during the Copa America, emphasizing the competitive edge in this rivalry.
This will be an important test for Pochettino as he seeks to assess his player pool ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He has called up a strong roster featuring notable stars such as Christian Pulisic, Matt Turner, Weston McKennie, and Chris Richards. However, the squad will be without some key players, including Antonee Robinson and Johnny Cardoso, who had to withdraw late due to injuries. Despite this setback, the USMNT remains hopeful and confident about their chances.
"The USMNT is one step away from playing in their fourth consecutive final with a chance to win their first trophy under Mauricio Pochettino," reported NBC Sports, reflecting on the team’s ambition. Players are looking to harness the rhythm they’ve built under Pochettino and translate it into performance on the pitch.
In Panama, the team has shown significant improvement under coach Thomas Christensen, now boasting the status of the fourth-best team in Concacaf. Adalberto Carrasquilla is expected to play a crucial role in controlling the midfield, alongside Anibal Godoy, who brings strength and resilience to the team’s defensive structure. Both players will be vital in determining the flow of the game, as the midfield battle will be a key area to watch.
Fans are eager to see how this matchup unfolds. The game will be broadcast in Spanish on Univision and available to stream in English on Paramount+. The anticipation is building, with USMNT supporters eager to cheer their team to victory.
Moreover, there is optimism surrounding the overarching goal of the USMNT. Pochettino’s vision for the team includes not only immediate success in the Nations League but also a robust preparation strategy leading into the World Cup. This camp provides the perfect opportunity for him to evaluate players' strengths and weaknesses, helping him to form a more unified and capable squad.
Looking ahead, the predicted lineup for the USMNT includes Matt Turner in goal, with Max Arfsten, Tim Ream, Chris Richards, and Joe Scally forming the defensive line. In midfield, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams are expected to anchor the team, supporting the attacking talents of Tim Weah, Christian Pulisic, Yunus Musah, and Josh Sargent up front. The predicted score for this encounter is a cautious 2-0 in favor of the U.S., reflecting both their home advantage and the tactical setups anticipated.
As the clock counts down to kickoff, the excitement around this semifinal match is palpable. A win for the USMNT not only secures their place in the final but also marks a step toward achieving Pochettino’s ambitions for the team. If they can forge a powerful performance against a strong Panamanian side, it will send a clear message about their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Fans and analysts alike are asking if the USMNT can maintain their competitive edge and carry the momentum through to the final. Only time will tell, but all eyes will be on the field at SoFi Stadium as the match unfolds.
