Mexico Claims First CONCACAF Nations League Title with Dramatic Win

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — In a fierce showdown at SoFi Stadium, Mexico fought valiantly to reclaim dominance in North and Central American soccer, defeating Panama 2-1 to secure its inaugural CONCACAF Nations League trophy.

The match was highlighted by the performance of resurgent striker Raúl Jiménez, who scored both of Mexico’s goals, the latter being a crucial penalty converted in the 92nd minute.

In a tense ending filled with physical play, a controversial handball by Panama led to Jiménez taking the penalty. With an eruption of cheers from around 60,000 fans, he calmly slotted the ball home, cementing his status as the tournament’s standout player. Teammates swarmed him as the crowd celebrated with flying beer cups and pizza boxes.

This victory restored Mexico’s place atop CONCACAF, a throne it had yielded to the U.S. in recent years, which included a dramatic Nations League win in 2021 and two successful title defenses. The loss was a setback for the U.S., which failed to advance past the semifinals this year, paving the way for Mexico’s triumph.

The match itself saw an early lead for Mexico, thanks to Jiménez’s opening goal, but Panama responded well, leveling the score just before halftime with a penalty from Adalberto Carrasquilla. The second half saw Mexico struggle against a resilient Panamanian team until another penalty opportunity arose late in the game.

After years of injuries and setbacks following a serious head injury he suffered in 2020, Jiménez has shown remarkable improvement this season. His performance in the Nations League, including scoring in the semifinals against Canada and again in the final, has proven his return to form and leadership on the field.

“It’s incredible to return after everything I’ve been through,” Jiménez stated after lifting the trophy. “This is a testament that you should never lose hope.” His inspiring comeback culminated in a historic moment for both him and the Mexican national team.