The 2025 Concacaf Nations League winner will be crowned in a few days. However, the winner has been tasked with overcoming two of the last four contenders in three days.
The final four feature tough competition among the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Panama.
USMNT
Having won all three previous editions of the tournament, the United States Men’s National Team seems to be the favorites again, for historical and geographical reasons, despite the challenges facing them this time.
Mauricio Pochettino, the Argentine who took on the USMNT managerial job after an unexpected sack at Chelsea, is set to coach the team in his third competitive game. And while the semi-finals might be a huge competitive stage for a new manager, playing against Panama – the lowest-ranked team in the final four –means the United States stands the greatest chance of making it to the finals, at least.
With key players like Folarin Balogun, Auston Trusty, Antonee Robinson, and Ricardo Pepi missing, Pochettino may have to rely on Norwich City’s Josh Sargent or, perhaps, turn to MLS stars Patrick Agyemang or Brian White to lead the team’s attack.
Regardless, the presence of Christian Pulisic, Weston Mckennie, and Tyler Adams should help the USMNT seek a fourth triumph. This would be a dream start for Pochettino, who is coming off an outside-top-four finish and a trophyless season with the London Blues that culminated in his sacking.
The Argentine has shown himself capable, winning five of his six games as USMNT coach, especially the two legs of the Concacaf Nations League quarter-final against Jamaica.
Panama
Panama seems the weakest link of the four and a perfect lamb for the United States’ slaughter, but they can’t be totally ruled out. The USMNT is struggling to find established options in its attack, and this may negatively impact its output in the opposition goal.
While the United States edged Panama 2-0 five months ago in a friendly, which was Pochettino’s first game in charge, Panama defeated the USMNT in their last two competitive encounters – an indication that they can’t be totally written off.
Panama fought tooth and nail to book a spot in the semi-final, defeating Costa Rica 3-2 on aggregate after they were reduced to ten men late in the second leg in their bid to hold on to a 2-2 draw. Thomas Christiansen’s men, in recent times, have proven they can fight. As such, the USMNT should be ready for a fierce battle.
However, even if they manage to get past the USMNT, they’re still not favorites, as they pose the least threat to any of the remaining teams.
Canada
Canada is basking in the aftereffects of its surprising run to the Copa America semi-finals in 2024. And it’s handled the pressure quite well. The Canadians have been undergoing a resurgence lately, making it to the last World Cup for only the second time in history and for the first time since 1986.
They topped this with an impressive Copa America run, having successfully built a star-studded team that can compete with the best. With coach Jesse Marsch, the Canadians have flourished in their pressing style, adding some physicality and dynamism to their game.
One major strength of the Canadians is their speed. The Canadian roster is deluged with speedsters, including Davies, Shaffelburg, Buchanan, Jebbison, and Moise Bombito, who was the fastest in Europe’s top five leagues in 2024.
Canada takes on a Mexico side that has been engaged in a fierce physical battle lately. This fixture seems to intrigue the fans more than the other semi-final fixture between the United States and Panama.
Mexico
Mexico has reached the semifinals in all editions of the competition, yet they have yet to clinch the silverware after losing two finals to the USMNT. This time, they’ll be looking to do what they’ve never achieved in the history of the Concacaf Nations League.
The Mexicans, however, face a familiar foe. Only after surmounting the Canadians will they be able to conquer the USMNT in their third appearance at the Concacaf Nations League final.
The Mexicans are blessed with in-form strikers: Fulham’s Raul Jimenez and AC Milan’s Santiago Gimenez. As they lock horns with the Canadians, these two teams have created an intense rivalry in recent years, with two draws and one win apiece in their last four encounters.
Javier Aguirre’s team is known for its physicality. However, they’ve struggled against pacy sides like the Canadians, committing 24 fouls in their last meeting. This time, both teams do have a chance, but the Canadians are favorites on many sites.
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Featured Image Credit: AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez
