The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) will take on Panama in the semifinals of the Concacaf Nations League on Thursday, March 20, 2025. The much-anticipated match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. ET at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The USMNT aims for a record fourth consecutive title in the tournament, continuing a legacy that has seen them as the only champions thus far.
The backdrop of this match is laden with intense rivalry. Just months prior, in June 2024, these two teams met during the Copa América, resulting in a shocking 2-1 defeat for the USMNT. That match was pivotal; not only did it cost the team a chance at advancement, but it also led to the dismissal of then-coach Gregg Berhalter. Now under the guidance of manager Mauricio Pochettino, the players find themselves determined to seek revenge against Los Canaleros.
In preparation for the game, US midfielder Weston McKennie expressed the team’s focus, stating, “I think we’ve gotten past that.” He added that the team will treat this important match like “any other game we want to win.” However, defender Joe Scally reflected on the past loss as a continued motivation, showcasing the mixed sentiments within the squad.
The stakes cannot be overstated. The winner will secure a spot in the final on March 23 against either Canada or Mexico, both formidable opponents. The USMNT enters as the favorite but knows better than to underestimate Panama, who has repeatedly proven to be a thorn in their side through various tournaments.
Historically, Panama has overcome the USMNT, beating them in the 2011 and 2015 Gold Cups, and again in 2023. Their previous encounters have shown that this match is not merely a friendly; it’s poised to be a battle for pride and a chance for the USMNT to erase bitter memories.
One significant aspect of the match is the absence of key players for the USMNT, notably Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi, both sidelined due to injuries. However, this opens the door for a significant opportunity for veteran forward Josh Sargent. After a promising run for Norwich City, scoring eight goals in his last ten appearances, Sargent aims to make a noteworthy comeback in his first national appearance since October.
Adding to the USMNT’s firepower is Gio Reyna, who returns to the squad for the first time under Pochettino after recovering from injuries. Reyna’s potential to change the game when he comes off the bench is highlighted by his impressive previous performances, including being the Nations League’s top player last year. Star forward Christian Pulisic is also critical to the team's strategy, and he expressed confidence in the squad, stating, “We’re excited for the challenge.”
The circulation of top-shelf talent continues with Tyler Adams returning to the lineup for the first time following back surgery, crucial for bolstering the midfield against a rigorous Panamanian team. Adams’ leadership, both on and off the field, will be invaluable as the team navigates the absence of standout left-back Antonee "Jedi" Robinson, who had to withdraw due to an undisclosed ailment.
“His aggressiveness is definitely something that we missed,” Scally remarked, indicating the team’s reliance on Adams’ prowess as they prepare for the physical contest ahead.
Panama, no stranger to causing upsets, arrives hungry to replicate their success from last summer's tournament. They are determined to throw down the gauntlet against the defending champions. Their lineup, bolstered by players solidifying their roles, will present a formidable challenge.
Throughout the previous campaigns, including their remarkable performance that knocked the USMNT out of the Copa América, Panama has demonstrated they can compete at the highest level, playing freely without the pressure of history weighing them down.
The match is set to be tightly contested with both teams understanding the significance behind this clash not just for advancement, but for setting a tone for the coming matches in this and others to come.
Broadcast details for the match reveal that fans can catch the action live on Paramount+, Univision, and TUDN, making it accessible for soccer enthusiasts across the nation. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. ET, with pre-game coverage starting as early as 6 p.m. ET.
Barring any surprises, the expected lineups position the USMNT with key players: Matt Turner stands as goalkeeper, supported by a defense led by veteran Tim Ream and Chris Richards, while McKennie and Musah anchoring the midfield. Sargent will look to lead the attack, with Pulisic likely providing creative spark from the left side. This combination will be critical to countering Panama's strategies, as both teams look to cement their legacies within the CONCACAF framework.
“Now is when it matters,” Pulisic summarized, communicating an urgent readiness as the squad gears up to take the field. With two good performances, they could find themselves once again lifting a trophy—a goal that carries significant weight for the USMNT as they march forth into the semifinal of the Nations League.
