Panama shocks USMNT to reach Nations League Final

03/20/2025 09:11 PM

There will be a new CONCACAF Nations League winner for the first time in the history of the competition.

Panama shocked the U.S. men’s national team at SoFi Stadium on Thursday, claiming a 1-0 semifinal victory over the reigning three-time champions. Cecelio Waterman’s stoppage time strike propelled Thomas Christiansen’s squad into Sunday’s final and handed the Americans a fourth head-to-head defeat out of the past six encounters.

An early confident period from the USMNT almost led to the opening goal in the 19th minute. Christian Pulisic played Weston McKennie into the Panama box before McKennie’s layoff pass found Josh Sargent. Sargent’s shot deflected off of Edgardo Farina before hitting the right post and rolling away from the net.

McKennie’s header on the next USMNT possession was gathered by Orlando Mosquera, but served as another warning shot by the Americans.

Sargent looked to have boosted the Americans in front after 24 minutes but Tim Weah was ruled offsides in the buildup play. Weah’s cross found Sargent in the Panama box before the Norwich City striker drilled a powerful shot into the right corner.

The USMNT amped up their offensive pressure after halftime with Weah’s right-footed effort being caught by Mosquera. Pulisic also tested his effort three minutes later, but watched his shot deflect out of bounds.

Patrick Agyemang came off the bench and looked the closest to breaking the deadlock. McKennie’s through ball pass sprung Agyemang upfield before the Charlotte FC man tried a right-footed shot.

Mosquera dove to his left to deny Agyemang before eventually gathering the rebound.

With both teams looking destined for extra time, second-half substitute Waterman called his own number at the death. A poor header from Pulisic led to a Panama counter attack, eventually leading to Waterman’s right-footed shot nestling into the bottom-left corner.

The USMNT failed to find a late equalizer, suffering a second defeat of the Pochettino-era.

Panama will meet either Canada or Mexico in Sunday’s Nations League Final while the USMNT faces off with the loser of that fixture in the third place match.