United States (USA) vs Panama, 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League Semifinal – Preview, Prediction, Predicted Lineups, and More

The reigning three-time champions, the United States, will face Panama in the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League’s first semi-final on Thursday at SoFi Stadium in California. Mauricio Pochettino has the opportunity to commemorate his first year in charge of the USA with a CONCACAF Nations League title, ahead of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The Americans advanced past Jamaica in the quarter-finals with a 5-2 aggregate score, while Los Canaleros narrowly defeated Costa Rica with a cumulative result of 3-2.

United States Soccer is poised to defend its Concacaf Nations League title, but the Americans must first overcome Panama in the semifinals.

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT will welcome the Panamanians at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Thursday evening, with a place in the final at stake. Canada and Mexico will compete in the other semifinal, creating another potential classic against one of the USA’s prominent sporting adversaries.

The semifinal round is a single-elimination format, meaning the victor will progress to the final on March 23, while the defeated team will partake in the third-place match earlier that same day.

Pochettino revealed his 23-man squad last week, which included many recognizable figures for American soccer enthusiasts.

The US has triumphed in all three editions of the Concacaf Nations League since its launch in 2021, overcoming Mexico (twice) and Canada in the finals.

The Stars and Stripes defeated Jamaica 5-2 over two legs in the quarterfinals to secure their place in the CNL final four. They have since claimed victories against Venezuela 3-1 and Costa Rica 3-0 in friendlies during the USMNT’s January camp.

Panama, on the other hand, qualified by a 2-2 draw in the second leg despite losing a player with ten minutes remaining, defeating Costa Rica 3-2 overall.

However, the Central American nation has struggled with form recently, losing 2-1 to Peruvian club Universitario in a hybrid friendly and enduring a 6-1 defeat to Chile in February.

The United States and Panama have clashed on 29 prior occasions, with the Americans securing victory in 18 of those matches, compared to just seven wins for Panama. Two of the previous three meetings between the two countries have been won by La Marea Roja.

United States vs Panama Match Preview

As anticipated at the commencement of this season’s Nations League, the formidable Americans have reached the semi-finals, presenting an opportunity to defend their title once more.

They are the sole team that has ever claimed this trophy, and they have not been ousted at this stage of a CONCACAF tournament since the Panamanians triumphed over them in penalties during the 2023 Gold Cup.

Following a 2-0 defeat in a friendly against Mexico last October, Mauricio Pochettino has observed a commendable response from his players, achieving victories in their last four international contests by an aggregate score of 10-3.

In their combined three prior Nations League semi-finals, the US has allowed only one goal, equalizing their match with Jamaica at this phase last year in the 96th minute, ultimately securing a 3-1 win after extra time.

The Americans have triumphed in their last four home matches across all competitions and have remained unbeaten in five consecutive games played on domestic soil.

Throughout their entire Nations League history, this team has never suffered a home defeat, with their last loss in this competition occurring away to Trinidad and Tobago in November 2023 (2-1), advancing from that quarter-final tie with a 4-2 aggregate score.

Thursday will mark only the second time they encounter a team from Central America in this tournament, with the Yanks previously defeated Honduras 1-0 in the semi-finals of the inaugural Nations League in 2021.

Panama faced a challenging quarter-final tie, yet managed to progress, with their 1-0 victory in the first leg in Costa Rica ultimately proving decisive.

This will be the third time that Thomas Christiansen’s squad has reached the semi-finals of this tournament, having lost in their previous two appearances at this stage.

La Marea Roja has yet to find the back of the net beyond the quarter-finals of a Nations League match, following a 3-0 semi-final defeat against Mexico last year and a subsequent 1-0 loss in the third-place playoff to Jamaica.

Panama enters this match in poor form, securing only one win in their last seven competitive fixtures and suffering defeats in their two games this year by an aggregate score of 8-2.

The Panamanians have lost their last two matches against North American rivals, managing to score just one goal during that stretch.

Dating back to March 2023, the Panamanians have remained unbeaten in their last nine international contests when scoring the opening goal, winning in eight of those instances.

Los Canaleros have achieved victory in two of their last three meetings with the US, having come from behind to secure a 2-1 win during the group stage of the 2024 Copa America.

United States vs Panama Team News

For this match, the United States may be without Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso, who suffered a muscle strain, and Ricardo Pepi is still recuperating from a knee injury and will not be available.

Folarin Balogun was not included in the roster after recently recovering from a shoulder injury, while Sergino Dest was excluded from the squad, having only just returned to his club PSV Eindhoven this month after an 11-month hiatus due to a torn ACL.

Crystal Palace reserve goalkeeper Matt Turner has the opportunity to make his 50th appearance with the national team US on Thursday, while Josh Sargent aims to earn his first international cap since October, having scored eight goals in his last eight matches at Norwich City.

Pepi netted a goal in each of their quarter-final matches, with additional goals in the second leg provided by Christian Pulisic, and Tim Weah, along with an own goal by Di’Shon Bernard.

On the Panama side, Michael Murillo is unavailable due to a hamstring strain, Edgar Barcenas is out because of an ACL injury, Andres Andrade will be absent for this match as he has just recovered from an ACL tear, and Fidel Escobar must serve a suspension due to a red card.

Abdiel Ayarza was excluded from the squad as he recently underwent surgery to address an abdominal issue, and Eric Davis is unavailable because of a knee injury.

The sole Panamanian player aiming for his first international appearance on Thursday will be Edward Cedeno, while Cristian Martinez is set to achieve his 50th cap with Los Canaleros.

Goals from Cesar Blackman and Jose Luis Rodriguez were sufficient to secure a draw in the second leg of their tie against Costa Rica, while Jose Fajardo has the potential to surpass Roberto Brown for ninth place in all-time goals with his next strike.

Kick-off date/time: Thursday 20th March 2025: UK – 11:00 pm / US ET – 7:00 pm / US PT – 4:00 pm

Where: SoFi Stadium, Los Angeles

Where to Watch USA vs Panama

How to watch on TV: UK – Not televised / US – Coverage is shared between CBS & Paramount +

How to watch online: UK – CONCACAF GO & YouTube / US – Golazo Network

Where to watch in the United States: Paramount+, Univision (Spanish)

USMNT vs Panama Predicted Lineups

USA possible starting lineup:

USA predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Matt Turner (GK) – Joe Scally, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson – Weston McKennie, Tanner Tessmann – Yunus Musah, Christian Pulisic, Timothy Weah – Josh Sargent.

Panama possible starting lineup:

Panama predicted lineup (4-3-3): Orlando Mosquera (GK) – Cesar Blackman, Edgardo Farina, Jose Cordoba, Jorge Gutierrez – Anibal Godoy, Cristian Martinez, Coco Carrasquilla – Tomas Rodriguez, Jose Fajardo, Cecilio Waterman.

USA vs Panama Prediction

As the fixture in the CONCACAF Nations League approaches, slated for 20 March 2025, the football community is abuzz with predictions regarding the imminent showdown between the United States and Panama. This contest, a significant event in the CONCACAF Nations League, exemplifies the high-quality football for which the league is renowned. The United States, benefiting from the advantage of home-field support, is preparing for a vigorous display. Nevertheless, within the unpredictable context of the CONCACAF Nations League, Panama arrives equipped to challenge conventions, bringing their own strategies and fervor to the field. This encounter promises to be an enthralling exhibition of skill and ingenuity, emblematic of the competitive essence of the CONCACAF Nations League.

In the domain of the CONCACAF Nations League, the strategic confrontation between the United States and Panama on 20 March 2025 is anticipated to be a season highlight. Predictions suggest a contest of tactical acumen, wherein both sides will strive to outwit one another. The United States, recognized for their tactical rigor, may possess an advantage with the backing of their home supporters. Nonetheless, Panama is expected to introduce a level of nimbleness and adaptability to the pitch, rendering them a formidable adversary. The matchup within the CONCACAF Nations League transcends mere victory; it embodies the demonstration of footballing excellence, establishing this match as essential viewing for aficionados of the sport.