Raúl Jiménez was the hero once again as Mexico clinched their first-ever Concacaf Nations League title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Panama on Sunday night at SoFi Stadium.
Jiménez Leads Mexico to Glory
The 33-year-old Fulham striker continued his dominant form, scoring both goals for El Tri in the final. He opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a clinical header before converting a stoppage-time penalty in the 92nd minute to seal the win.
Jiménez, who finished the tournament with four goals in two matches, was the standout performer in Los Angeles, proving instrumental in Mexico’s long-awaited triumph.
How the Final Unfolded
Panama, fresh off their
stunning 1-0 semifinal upset over the U.S., put up a strong fight and equalized before halftime. A VAR review determined that Johan Vásquez committed a foul in the penalty area, allowing Adalberto Carrasquilla to convert from the spot in first-half injury time.
As the clock ticked down, Mexico pressed for a winner and got their opportunity in the 90th minute when José Córdoba handled the ball inside the box. Jiménez stepped up and coolly slotted home the penalty, securing the Concacaf Nations League crown for El Tri.
Match Controversy & SoFi Stadium Atmosphere
The final was briefly paused in the 80th minute due to offensive chanting from sections of the 68,212-strong crowd. The players took a water break while anti-discriminatory messages were displayed on the scoreboard and announced over the stadium’s public address system.
Despite the disruption, Mexico once again proved their dominance on U.S. soil, having also won the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup at SoFi Stadium with a 1-0 win over Panama last summer.
End of U.S. Dominance & Tactical Masterclass
The United States had won the previous three editions of the Concacaf Nations League, but Mexico’s attacking approach under Javier Aguirre paid off in the final. The Jiménez-Giménez strike partnership proved lethal, with Jiménez striking just minutes into the match after a perfect cross from Roberto Alvarado.
Although Panama controlled possession and had more shot attempts, Mexico’s clinical finishing made the difference.
What’s Next for Mexico?
With the Concacaf Nations League title secured, Mexico now turns its focus to the 2026 World Cup, where they will look to build on this momentum. Jiménez’s resurgence and Mexico’s attacking depth could make them a dangerous contender in the years ahead.
