Nov 21, 2025, Posted by: Xander Fairholm
When the 2024-25 Concacaf Nations League semifinal ended at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on March 20, 2025, the scoreboard didn’t just show a 1-0 loss—it showed the end of an era. The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT), seeking an unprecedented third straight Nations League title, was eliminated in heartbreaking fashion by Panama, thanks to a 94th-minute winner from Cecilio Waterman. The goal, assisted by Adalberto Carrasquilla, wasn’t just a strike—it was a statement. Panama, long seen as a regional underdog, had once again punched above their weight, denying the USMNT’s World Cup prep momentum and sending shockwaves through American soccer.
How Panama Broke the American Machine
It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t dominant possession. But it was brutally efficient. Panama’s Orlando Mosquera stood tall in goal, turning away early chances from Josh Sargent and Weston McKennie. The USMNT controlled 58% of the ball but couldn’t find a way through Panama’s compact, disciplined backline. Edgardo Fariña blocked Sargent’s 19th-minute strike. Mosquera denied McKennie’s header moments later. By halftime, the tension was thick enough to cut.The turning point came in the 70th minute, when Jose Fajardo was replaced by Cecilio Waterman. Four minutes into stoppage time, Adalberto Carrasquilla slipped a diagonal ball behind the USMNT defense. Waterman, unmarked, chested it down and fired low past goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. The stadium fell silent. The USMNT’s three-title reign—dating back to 2021—was over.
First Central American Finalists
This wasn’t just a win. It was history. Panama became the first Central American nation to reach the Concacaf Nations League final. They’d done it before in the 2023 Gold Cup, knocking the USMNT out in the quarterfinals. Now, they’d done it again—on the biggest stage yet. Their head coach, Thomas Christiansen, a Danish tactician who’s quietly reshaped Panama’s identity, called it "a collective triumph."What made this even more remarkable? Panama had already secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup—their second ever, after 2018—by beating El Salvador 3-0 in November 2025. Aníbal Godoy of San Diego FC and Carlos Harvey of Minnesota United FC were starters in that decisive match. This Nations League run wasn’t just about pride—it was confirmation that Panama is no longer a team you can overlook.
USMNT’s Path Forward: Orlando and the World Cup
The USMNT’s season didn’t end in Inglewood. It pivoted. Head coach Mauricio Pochettino quickly shifted focus to the next test: a friendly against Costa Rica on January 22, 2025, at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The match, set for 7:00 p.m. ET, is part of a two-game Florida swing designed to reset morale and test new combinations ahead of the World Cup.It’s not just a tune-up—it’s a reset. After a 5-1 thrashing of Uruguay on November 18, 2025—the biggest win of Pochettino’s tenure—there was optimism. Alex Freeman of Orlando City SC scored twice. Diego Luna of Real Salt Lake added a goal. But the Panama loss exposed a deeper issue: reliance on MLS talent, inconsistent defensive organization, and a lack of clinical finishing under pressure.
"We’re not done," Pochettino told reporters after the match. "This hurts. But pain is the price of growth. We’ll come back stronger."
The Bigger Picture: Concacaf’s New Power Dynamics
The USMNT’s stumble isn’t isolated. It’s part of a broader shift in Concacaf. Mexico, once the region’s unquestioned leader, is in transition. Canada is still developing. And now, Panama—alongside Jamaica and Costa Rica—are proving they can compete with, and beat, the giants. This isn’t a fluke. It’s a trend. The gap is closing. The old hierarchy is crumbling.For the USMNT, the road to 2026 now looks more like a climb than a cruise. They’ll face Paraguay on November 15, 2025, and Uruguay again on November 18, 2025. Those matches will test depth and resilience. But the real test? How they respond to failure. Because after this loss, there’s no more room for excuses.
What’s Next for Panama
Panama’s next challenge? Facing the winner of Canada-Mexico in the final on March 23, 2025. They’ll arrive as underdogs—but with belief. Their defense, anchored by Mosquera and Fariña, has conceded just one goal in four knockout matches. Their midfield, led by Carrasquilla, controls tempo with intelligence, not flair. And Waterman? He’s now the man who killed a dynasty."We didn’t come here to make history," said Cecilio Waterman after the match. "We came here to win. And we did."
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Panama qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
Panama secured their 2026 World Cup spot with a 3-0 victory over El Salvador on November 18, 2025, during the final CONCACAF qualifying window. Key starters Aníbal Godoy and Carlos Harvey played in both the decisive match and the previous win over Guatemala. This marks their second World Cup appearance, following their historic debut in 2018.
Why was the USMNT’s loss to Panama so significant?
It ended the USMNT’s three-title streak in the Concacaf Nations League and marked their first knockout-stage loss to Panama since 2023. More importantly, it exposed tactical vulnerabilities under pressure and highlighted the growing competitiveness of Central American teams—raising questions about the USMNT’s readiness for the 2026 World Cup.
Who scored the winning goal for Panama, and how did it happen?
Substitute Cecilio Waterman scored the decisive goal in the 94th minute, assisted by Adalberto Carrasquilla. Waterman, brought on in the 70th minute, received a through ball, controlled it with his chest, and fired low past USMNT goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. It was Panama’s only shot on target in the match.
What’s the significance of the USMNT’s upcoming friendly against Costa Rica?
The January 22, 2025, match at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando is the final tune-up before the World Cup qualifying campaign resumes in November. It’s designed to rebuild confidence, test new players like Sebastian Berhalter and Diego Luna, and evaluate defensive structure after the Panama collapse. The venue also hosted Mexico vs. Colombia in April 2024, making it a trusted international stage.
Is Panama a serious threat in the 2026 World Cup?
Absolutely. With a disciplined defense, experienced midfielders like Adalberto Carrasquilla, and rising talents like Cecilio Waterman, Panama has proven they can compete with top-tier Concacaf sides. Their 2018 World Cup run to the Round of 16 showed they belong. This Nations League win suggests they’re peaking at the right time—and could be dangerous in a group with the US, Uruguay, or South American teams.
What does this result mean for USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino?
It puts immense pressure on Pochettino to adapt. His reliance on MLS-based players—while cost-effective—has shown limits in high-stakes games. The 5-1 win over Uruguay masked deeper issues. Now, with the World Cup just 18 months away, he must address defensive gaps, improve set-piece execution, and possibly integrate more European-based talent. The Panama loss isn’t the end of his tenure—but it’s the wake-up call he can’t afford to ignore.
Author
Xander Fairholm
Hi, I'm Xander Fairholm, a passionate blogger and expert in all things related to blogging. For years, I have been honing my craft and helping others improve their blogs by sharing my knowledge and experience. I enjoy writing about various topics, from blog design to content strategy, and I always stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the blogging world. My goal is to inspire and educate my readers, helping them create successful blogs that they can be proud of.