Mexico win first-ever CONCACAF Nations League | OneFootball

Mexico beat Panama 2-1 to win the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League.

A brace from Raúl Jiménez sealed the title for El Trí, who finished as runners-up in two of the three previous finals.

The United States won all the first three renditions of the event, beating Mexico in 2020 and 2023, but their chances of winning it for a fourth time came crashing down when they lost to Panama in the semifinal.

Javier Aguirre made two changes from the XI that beat Canada. César Montes and César Huerta came into the side, replacing Charly Rodriguez and Alexis Vega. The changes allowed captain Edson Álvarez to return to centre midfield, joining Chivas's Luis Romo.

Mexico's manager also opted to keep with Santiago Giménez and Raúl Jiménez to lead the line together.

In the semifinal, Mexico scored the opener within 45 seconds; this time was not as quick, but the Fulham forward still managed to open the scoring within the first ten minutes to continue his red hot run of form for club and country.

One goal to the good, Luís Malagón was forced to get a strong hand onto a shot from José Rodríguez moments before halftime to ensure El Trí held onto the lead, but not for much longer. The resulting corner struck the arm of Johan Vásquez and a penalty was awarded to Panama to close out the half.

Up stepped Pumas' Adalberto Carrasquilla who struck the resulting penalty down the middle to beat the diving Malagon. Panama's equaliser set up a tense second half with both sides 45 minutes from history.

Mexico improved in the second half but couldn't get the go-ahead goal until a huge decision was made in the final minutes of the game. Norwich City defender José Cordoba stretched out an arm to stop a Mexico move and the referee had no other option but point to the spot.

Jiménez dispatched the resulting penalty, scoring his fourth in two games, to decide the CONCACAF Nations League final, with Mexico being crowned as champions.

Unsurprisingly, the Premier League forward was named Player of the Tournament, whilst Club América shot-stopper received the award for Goalkeeper of the Tournament.