CONCACAF: Mexico wins Nations League with a dramatic victory over Panama

A stoppage-time penalty goal by Raúl Jiménez allowed Mexico to defeat Panama 2-1 and claim its first-ever CONCACAF Nations League title.

The striker was the hero of the final by scoring both Mexican goals, the first in the 8th minute and the second with the decisive penalty in 90+2. Adalberto Carrasquilla scored for Panama in the 45+2 on another penalty kick at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood (Los Angeles).

Mexico, twice runner-up in the tournament, in 2021 and 2024, thus succeeds the United States, winner of the first three editions. In its first tournament after the return of Javier Aguirre, Mexico celebrated in style the agonizing victory in front of a packed stadium of 68,000 fans, practically all of them supporters of El Tri.

Will Smith and Raúl Jiménez, the stars of the final

The crowd also enjoyed a performance by actor and singer Will Smith, who had a few minutes to perform hits such as 'Men in Black.'

The other big news for Mexico has been the resurrection of veteran Raul Jimenez, scorer of all the goals this week after he signed another brace in the 2-1 win over Canada in the semifinal. The Fulham striker, the third all-time leading scorer for 'El Tri,' saw his career slow down in recent years following a life-threatening skull fracture suffered in 2020.

"It's great to be back after what I've been through," Jimenez declared. "This is a great example. You never, ever have to lose faith. You know what you are capable of."

Oxygen for Mexico ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The title breathes hope into Aztec supporters for the road to the 2026 World Cup, which they will co-host with Canada and the United States. "I don't know if this is a watershed but it is cementing a foundation to reach the World Cup with confidence," said 'Vasco' Aguirre. "Hopefully we do a good job in the next tournament (Gold Cup) to arrive with a great game to the big party in 2026."

Panama, the tournament's first Central American finalist, experienced a cruel end to the dream of winning its first major international title. Coach Thomas Christiansen's plans were scuttled on the verge of extra time by the penalty resulting from a serious mistake by Jose Cordoba, who handled a free kick that was going wide.

"This hurts a lot. We're tired of going down fighting."

"The penalty comes from an unnecessary situation and he, by inertia, touches the ball with his hand," Christiansen lamented. Córdoba "is hurting, I know he'll face criticism, but he doesn't deserve it," he added. "He had no intention of touching the ball, it was pure bad luck."

"I have no words, this hurts a lot," captain Aníbal Godoy, who was part of the 2023 Gold Cup final lost to Mexico also at SoFi Stadium, said for his part. "This hurts a lot. We're tired of going down fighting. We don't need this consolation anymore," he stressed.

The final kicked off for Mexico like Thursday's win over Canada, with an early goal from Raul Jimenez. The striker headed home a cross from the right by Roberto Alvarado that goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera failed to clear.

Mexico, from scare to glory from the penalty spot

Panama, which in its semifinal against the United States only had a shot on goal from Cecilio Waterman, was forced to take risks in search of an equalizer. Mexico did not capitalize on the spaces conceded by the Canal side and only created some danger with a long-range shot by Jiménez.

In the absence of a penalty, the final was complicated for El Tri on the verge of halftime when defender Johan Vásquez committed a penalty on Waterman. Carrasquilla tricked Luis Malagón to make the final even at halftime.

The match was stopped by homophobic shouts

In the final stretch, tension gripped both teams and also spread into the stands, where a section of Mexican fans again raised a homophobic cry that soccer authorities have been trying to banish for more than a decade.

After several warnings, the referee stopped the final for several minutes and after the restart came the penalty kick by Jose Cordoba with which Jimenez put Mexico on the list of winners of this tournament.