USMNT vs. Panama: 2025 Nations League Semifinal Preview, Predicted Lineups, and How to Watch
The U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) is gearing up for a pivotal clash against Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. With a spot in the final on the line, this match carries extra weight for a U.S. squad looking to get the ball rolling under Mauricio Pochettino and get one over on a familiar foe. Here’s everything you need to know about this highly anticipated showdown.
The Stakes Are High
The USMNT enters this semifinal with a mix of confidence and unfinished business. Panama has been a thorn in their side in recent years, most notably with a 2-1 upset in the 2024 Copa América group stage that contributed to the Americans’ early exit and Gregg Berhalter’s departure. Pochettino’s debut against Panama in October 2024, a 2-0 friendly win, offered a taste of redemption, but this competitive fixture promises a tougher test. A victory here would not only advance the U.S. to the Nations League final (set for March 23) but also reinforce their status as CONCACAF’s top dog ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Panama, meanwhile, is no pushover. Los Canaleros have shown they can punch above their weight, reaching the Copa América quarterfinals last summer and securing their Nations League semifinal spot with a win over Costa Rica in November 2024. Led by experienced players like Adalberto Carrasquilla and Jose Fajardo, Panama will look to spoil the U.S.’s party once again.
USMNT Under Pochettino: A Work in Progress
Since taking the helm, Pochettino has injected new energy into the USMNT, emphasizing high pressing and attacking fluidity. The friendlies against Venezuela and Costa Rica showcased his vision. However, injuries have plagued the striker position this cycle, with Ricardo Pepi (knee), Folarin Balogun (shoulder), and Haji Wright (fitness concerns) either sidelined or questionable. Josh Sargent, in fine form for Norwich City, is likely to lead the line, supported by Pulisic’s relentless creativity on the wing.
The return of Tyler Adams to full fitness bolsters the midfield, where his tenacity pairs perfectly with Weston McKennie’s box-to-box dynamism. Defensively, the U.S. is healthier than ever, with Cameron Carter-Vickers and Chris Richards forming a solid center-back partnership. Antonee Robinson’s absence due to a late knock could see Joe Scally shift to left-back, with Marlon Fossey filling in on the right. And don’t forget the ever lasting presence of the veteran Tim Ream.
Panama’s Game Plan
Panama on occasion when playing attack heavy teams deploys a compact 5 at the back formation, relying on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks. Orlando Mosquera has cemented his place as the No. 1 goalkeeper, while the backline will miss suspended Fidel Escobar, likely replaced by Jose Cordoba alongside Michael Murillo and Edgardo Farina. Up top, Jose Fajardo’s physicality and goal-scoring nous will test the U.S. defense, with Carrasquilla pulling the strings in midfield. Panama’s strategy will hinge on frustrating the USMNT’s rhythm and capitalizing on set pieces or transitional moments.
Alternatively, Panama has been playing more and more of a 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 system, so don’t be surprised if they were to whip that out to fight with the USMNT.
Predicted Lineups
USMNT (4-3-3)
GK: Matt Turner
RB: Marlon Fossey
CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers
CB: Chris Richards
LB: Joe Scally
CM: Tyler Adams
CM: Weston McKennie
CM: Yunus Musah
RW: Timothy Weah
ST: Josh Sargent - I like Josh Sargent here given his physicality and current form.
LW: Christian Pulisic
Panama (5-4-1)
GK: Orlando Mosquera
RB: Cesar Blackman
CB: Jose Cordoba
CB: Michael Murillo
CB: Edgardo Farina
LB: Jorge Gutierrez
RM: Cristian Martinez
CM: Adalberto Carrasquilla
CM: Jose Luis Rodriguez
LM: Edgar Barcenas
ST: Jose Fajardo
Key Matchup: Pulisic vs. Murillo
All eyes will be on Christian Pulisic as he faces off against Panama’s Michael Murillo. Pulisic’s ability to drift inside and create havoc could exploit gaps in Panama’s five-man defense, but Murillo’s defensive instincts and physicality will make it a battle. If Pulisic gets the upper hand, the U.S. could run riot.
Prediction
The USMNT should have the edge in quality and depth, especially with home support at SoFi Stadium. Panama’s resilience makes them dangerous, but Pochettino’s tactical nous and the U.S.’s attacking firepower should prevail. Expect a tight first half before the Americans pull away late. **USMNT 2-0 Panama**.
How to Watch
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT
Venue: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
TV (English): Stream exclusively on Paramount+
TV (Spanish): Univision
Streaming: Paramount+