A new champion will be crowned in the Concacaf Nations League as Mexico and Panama meet in the final at SoFi Stadium. Both teams are aiming for a significant victory with the 2026 World Cup in North America approaching. Mexico enters their third CNL final as the favorites, while Panama is in their first final in this competition.
Mexico reached the final after defeating Canada 2-0. Raul Jimenez was the star, scoring twice. Mexico hopes to win their first trophy since the 2023 Gold Cup. A win on Sunday would boost confidence in coach Javier Aguirre, who is in his third term and tasked with revitalizing the team.
Panama is looking to continue their strong week after a surprising 1-0 victory over the USMNT. They are the underdogs but have been improving in recent years under Thomas Christiansen. This is their second continental final under Christiansen, and they are one game away from their first major trophy.
Here`s what you need to know before the game.
How to watch and odds
- Date: Sunday, March 23
- Location: SoFi Stadium — Inglewood, California
- Live stream: Paramount+
- Odds: Mexico -220; Draw +300; Panama +550
Projected lineups
Mexico: Luis Malagon, Israel Reyes, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vazquez, Roberto Alvarado, Carlos Rodriguez, Erik Lira, Jesus Gallardo, Santiago Gimenez, Raul Jimenez, Alexis Vega
Panama: Orlando Mosquera, Cesar Blackman, Carlos Harvey, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Jorge Gutierrez, Christian Martinez, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Anibal Godoy, Jose Luis Rodriguez, Jose Fajardo
Prediction
Mexico is expected to win this game and likely will. With players like Raul Jimenez and Santiago Gimenez, Mexico should have a comfortable victory and secure their first CNL title. Pick: Mexico 2, Panama 0
Adrian Whitmore