Mexico made history on Sunday night, conquering their first-ever Concacaf Nations League title with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Panama in a tension-filled final at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
Led by veteran coach Javier “El Vasco” Aguirre, El Tri broke the United States’ hold on the tournament and added a major trophy to their collection in the post-World Cup era.
The star of the night? Raúl Jiménez, who delivered a heroic performance with both of Mexico’s goals.
Jiménez strikes in thrilling final
“It is fantastic to come back after what I’ve been through… You never have to lose your faith.” 💯@miseleccionmx’s Raúl Jiménez reflects on his journey to the top after overcoming challenges in recent years 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/SDOpT71mRD
— Golazo America (@GolazoAmerica) March 24, 2025
Mexico started with intensity and wasted no time. In the 8th minute, Roberto Alvarado delivered a pinpoint cross that Jiménez headed powerfully into the net, giving El Tri an early lead.
Panama, however, responded before halftime. After Johan Vásquez fouled Cecilio Waterman in the box, the referee awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Adalberto Carrasquilla calmly converted from the spot in stoppage time (45+2) to tie the game.
The second half saw Mexico continue to dominate possession, but it wasn’t until the 90th minute that the breakthrough came. A handball by Panama defender José Córdoba was called inside the box, and Jiménez stepped up to take the penalty. With nerves of steel, he buried the shot into the top corner for the game-winner.
Homophobic chant halts play
Lamentable.
— Kenneth Monzón 🇬🇹 (@kennethmz) March 24, 2025
Otra vez la afiliación de México 🇲🇽 con el grito homofóbico en la final de la Liga de Naciones Concacaf contra Panamá 🇵🇦.
SoFi Stadium 🏟️, Inglewood, California. pic.twitter.com/Sr5gGV8PIJ
One of the darkest moments of the match came in the 87th minute when the referee paused the game due to repeated homophobic chants from the Mexican crowd during Panama’s goal kicks. Despite warnings from the stadium and match officials, the incident nearly led to a full suspension of the final.
It was a sobering reminder that football must be played with passion—but also with respect. FIFA and Concacaf have vowed to take stronger actions against discriminatory behavior going forward.
Aguirre’s moment of redemption
🇲🇽😳"Yo creo que sería muy injusto decir que solamente se ganó por huev**…" 🎙️-Javier Aguirre
— Caliente TV (@somoscalientetv) March 24, 2025
¡Ya está el Vasco en conferencia de prensa!
🔴Dale play, estamos EN VIVO aquí 👉 https://t.co/4VFmV88vg6 pic.twitter.com/rZoGFmrO2v
For head coach Javier Aguirre, the title represents more than just a trophy—it’s personal redemption. After losing two previous Nations League finals, Aguirre finally lifted the regional cup.
“This group gave everything. They deserved this. It’s a big step as we build towards 2026,” Aguirre said post-match.
Panama earns respect
“Está dolido (José Cordoba). Si tienen que buscar a un culpable, que sea yo. Córdoba no tenia ninguna intención de tocarla y fue mala suerte. Sé que le van a llover palos, pero innecesarios. Hizo un buen torneo. Vamos a apoyarlo”, Thomas Christiansen en conferencia de prensa. pic.twitter.com/rUlkJqmRNv
— Nicolle Ferguson (@nicolleferguson) March 24, 2025
Despite the heartbreak, Panama—coached by Thomas Christiansen—showed immense heart and progress. They pushed Mexico to the limit and left the field with heads held high, proud of their runner-up finish in a historic campaign.
Final score: Mexico 2-1 Panama
México 🆚 Panamá
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) March 24, 2025
📹 Resumen de la Final pic.twitter.com/AnsPqdkZ8V
Goals:
- Raúl Jiménez (8’, 90’ pen) – Mexico
- Adalberto Carrasquilla (45+2’ pen) – Panama
With this landmark victory, Mexico sends a clear message ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But Sunday’s final also left behind a message louder than any cheer: football belongs to everyone—and respect must always come first.
