USMNT vs. Panama: Top Storylines and Predictions for 2025 CONCACAF Nations League
The United States is the only team to win the CONCACAF Nations League, winning every tournament since its inception in 2019. It has the opportunity to do so again and in the process, build momentum ahead of the World Cup, which will take place on American soil beginning in 2026.
To do so, it must get past Panama in the semifinals, a team they have struggled with of late, losing two of their last three against.
What storylines can fans watch for when the two teams take to the pitch Thursday for the all-important showdown?
Let's take a look.
Viewing Information
Date: Thursday, March 20
Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
Venue: SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California
TV: Univision
Streaming: Peacock
A Problematic Panamanian Opponent
Thomas Christiansen is the head coach of an Improving Panamanian squad that could give the United States a bigger headache than many expected Thursday, despite missing defender Michael Murillo (hamstring) and winger Édgar Yoel Bárcenas (knee).
The Danish head coach has been with his team since the 2021-22 event and has brought consistency to CONCACAF amid 12 different managers for the United States, Canada, and Mexico during that time.
He has overseen the development and evolution of a squad that includes sharpshooting forward José Fajardo and his 15 goals and has them in a position to continue their recent success against the United States.
Not only have the Americans dropped two of their last three against Los Canaleros, but they have lost three out of their last five, hammering home the difficult match-up they face Thursday, despite what has been otherwise dominance in the competition.
A friendly last October saw the Americans earn back a victory under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, 2-0. The USMNT will look to replicate that success against a team that has proven pesky and problematic in recent history.
Christian Pulisic in Top Form
US captain Pulisic is in top form entering Thursday's match-up.
He leads all Americans with four career goals against Panama and in Nations League play, has found the net three times in semifinals and finals appearances. He has made this tournament his stage and will be the best player on the pitch when he enters SoFi Stadium for the latest match-up against Las Canaleros.
He has been stellar in club competition this season, notching 15 goals and eight assists for AC Milan, "including three goals in his last two Serie A games before the international break," Andy Edwards of NBC Sports noted.
With Panama down one defender in Murillo, Pulisic and Co. will have opportunities to score but will have to make the most of them.
Panama is a smartly coached team and will not expose itself often. It will be key for the captain and his offensive front to take advantage of the openings and find the net because the longer the Americans allow their opponents to stick around, the greater the potential that they face another potential upset, even with Las Canaleros down two players in key positions.
If Pulisic can continue his career best play, the USMNT should find themselves competing for a chance to continue their Nations Leagues dominance.
Prediction: United States narrowly escapes a tough match-up, besting Panama 1-0