Since the First Meeting in 1993, the US Has Dominated, But Not as of Late
The United States Men's National Team will face Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal on Thursday, March 20. This match marks the 29th meeting between these nations, and the USMNT holds a commanding 18-7-3 all-time record against Los Canaleros in regulation. The teams have gone to penalties in three of those draws, with Panama winning two.
Despite their historical dominance, the Americans enter this semifinal with cautious optimism following one of their most recent encounters with Panama. Their meeting during the 2024 Copa América group stage ended in disappointment for the USA, as Panama secured a 2-1 victory over a 10-man American side. After Tim Weah's early red card, Folarin Balogun briefly gave the USA hope with a 22nd-minute strike. Still, Panama capitalized on their numerical advantage, with César Blackman equalizing four minutes later and José Fajardo scoring the winner in the 83rd minute.
Under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who debuted with a 2-0 friendly victory over Panama last October, the USMNT aims to reclaim their Nations League crown. The Americans have established unprecedented success in this tournament, winning all three previous editions (2021, 2023, 2024). A fourth consecutive title would further cement their regional dominance.
Panama enters as a dangerous opponent with growing confidence. Under Danish coach Thomas Christiansen, they've risen from 81st to 43rd in the FIFA rankings since 2020. Their recent tournament performances have been impressive: They finished as runners-up in the 2023 Gold Cup and reached the semifinals in the previous two Nations League tournaments.
The semifinal winner will face Mexico or Canada in the final, with the USA hoping to continue its perfect Nations League championship record. After its Copa América setback against Panama, this match presents an opportunity for revenge and another step toward regional supremacy under Pochettino's leadership.
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