Gold Cup 2023: how Mexico and Panama reached the final

Everything is ready for the final of the 2023 Gold Cup between Mexico and Panama to be played at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The stadium has a capacity of 70,000, and it is expected to be full.

Mexico has the most championships in the history of this event, with 11, although it has not won since 2019. It will be Mexico’s third final in a row, and fortunately for “El Tri,” they will not have to face the United States, which has been their kryptonite in recent games. After the good display against Jamaica in the semifinal, the Mexican coach is expected to field the same players, though the exact lineup remains to be seen.

Jaime Lozano's interim coaching tenure has worked out very well for “El Tri,” this being his first tournament as head coach. The question is: will Lozano stay at the helm or not? It remains in doubt at least this weekend. Executive President of the Mexican Soccer Federation Ivar Sisniega said that the Mexican coach is on the final list of candidates for the final bench position, but the result of the Gold Cup final will not determine his future at the helm of the team.

In the end, Mexico’s rival will be Panama. The team has been strong in the tournament and has unfinished business with “El Tri.” Not long ago was the controversial semifinal in which the scales tipped in Mexico's favor against the “Canaleros,” who decided not to continue in the match. Eight years later, Panama has a great opportunity to be crowned, and it would be an especially great achievement if it does so against Mexico.

Panama has never been champion in the tournament but has two runner-up finishes, in 2005 and 2013. Both came against the United States, whom they coincidentally defeated a few days ago. This team is undefeated in the tournament with three wins and two draws. The Panamanian team has scored goals in four of the five matches they played.

Mexico is the favorite to celebrate on Sunday, however, Panama will not make it easy for them. They are always complicated duels between the two teams. Ismael Díaz has scored four goals in his three most recent matches, including in the semifinals, although one was disallowed by the VAR. The opponent will have to take into account that the Panamanian attacker is coming on strong.

By the way, the halftime show will be unlike any other, with Lionel Messi being introduced as the newest member of Inter Miami. The Argentine's introduction will not take place in the same stadium, it will be at the DRV PNK Stadium in Miami, but fans will be able to watch the event broadcast live.