Upcoming 2025 Concacaf Nations League Semifinals: Crucial Facts to Remember
Rewritten Article:
Get ready for a thrilling night as the US Men's National Team (USMNT) squares off against Panama in the most crucial match under first-year manager, Mauricio Pochettino, in the Concacaf Nations League 2025 semifinal on Thursday. Here's a lowdown on this high-stakes clash:
What About the Concacaf Nations League?
The Concacaf Nations League is an annual football tournament for North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Launched in 2018, the competition aims to bolster international matches within the region, particularly for smaller teams that often struggle in quadrennial World Cup qualifying tournaments. The league consists of three tiers: A, B, and C. The USMNT, a three-time champion in the competition, was one of the four seeded teams to receive a bye directly to the quarterfinals this season.
Who, Where, and When?
The USMNT and Panama will go head-to-head in the first semifinal on Thursday, followed by the second semifinal between Canada and Mexico. The finals and the third-place match are scheduled for Sunday. All four games will take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Schedule
- Thursday, March 20: at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- 7 p.m. ET/4 PT: USA vs. Canada
- 10:30 p.m. ET/7:30 p.m. PT: Mexico vs. Canada
- Sunday, March 23: at SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles
- 6 p.m. ET/3 PT: 3rd place match, semifinal losers
- 9:30 p.m. ET: Final, semifinal winners
Background Check
USA vs. Panama
The United States and Panama share a fierce rivalry, with the Americans having a significant advantage overall. However, Panama has shocked the USMNT in the last two competitive fixtures, including an unexpected 2-1 defeat in Atlanta during the 2024 Copa America group stage, which ultimately cost former manager Gregg Berhalter his job.
Mexico vs. Canada
Mexico historically dominates the region, but Canada has been on an impressive upward trajectory, reaching its first World Cup in 36 years in 2022 after finishing first in the regional qualifying round. The Canadians have also been unbeaten in their last three meetings with Mexico, including a home win and a draw during the 2022 World Cup Qualifying.
Leading the Charge
USA - Christian Pulisic
Christian Pulisic, the 26-year-old attacker, continues to be the USMNT's key player. Involved in most of the team's well-executed attacks, Pulisic has been solid since his move to A.C. Milan from Chelsea.
Panama - Adalberto Carrasquilla
Adalberto Carrasquilla, a 26-year-old midfielder, drives Panama's squad, often producing results beyond expectations. Carrasquilla joined Pumas UNAM of Liga MX after playing for the Houston Dynamo in MLS.
Canada - Alphonso Davies
Bayern Munich's starting left-back, Alphonso Davies, played a crucial role in Canada's successful qualification bid for the World Cup in 2022. He sometimes assumes a more advanced role for the national team but has played less in that position since Jesse Marsch took over as manager.
Mexico - Santi Gimenez
Santi Gimenez, a 23-year-old striker, plays alongside Pulisic at A.C. Milan. He made a winter move from Feyenoord with a slow start in Italy but scored 45 times in the Dutch Eredivisie prior to his transfer.
Predictions and Betting Odds
USA vs. Panama Odds (via BetMGM)
- USA: -350
- Draw: 350
- Panama: 850
Canada vs. Mexico Odds (via BetMGM)
- Canada: 130
- Draw: 200
- Mexico: 180
Where to Watch in the U.S.?
In English
Paramount
In Spanish
Univision, TUDN, TUDN.com, TUDN App
- The Concacaf Nations League semifinal featuring the US Men's National Team (USMNT) against Panama falls under the jurisdiction of Concacaf, the regional governing body of football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
- The schedule for the Concacaf Nations League 2025 semifinals and finals is set. The USMNT and Panama contest the first semifinal on Thursday at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, with the subsequent matches, including the final, scheduled for Sunday.
- Mauricio Pochettino prepares for a crucial game against Panama as the first-year manager of the USMNT, with potential severance implications depending on whether they secure a victory. His role may be impacted by the outcome, similar to what happened with Gregg Berhalter after their two competitive losses to Panama.
