Panama humiliates USMNT with shocking last-minute Nations League blow | OneFootball

Inglewood, California. SoFi Stadium was a land of surprise, or at least affirmation. It was not a matter of chance, nor a stroke of fortune. What happened in the 2025 Concacaf Nations League semifinal was the climax of a well-written script, predicated on patience, sweat, and most importantly, strategy. Panama continued to be a nuisance to USMNT, winning 1–0 in stoppage time and making history as the first Central American team to play in the tournament final.

The victory not only secured Panama a spot in the championship, but ended the United States' three-title streak. An impenetrable dynasty came crashing down with one, well-placed shot with minutes to spare. Cecilio Waterman was the hero here, but this is one story with many heroes, and some on the supporting cast who fell just short.

USMNT controlled the ball, the volume, but where was the score?

Anyone who looks at the stats would raise an eyebrow. America had 12 shots, registered five on target, dominated possession, and earned corners like a kid earning trading cards. But those that have an intuition of the game that can't be boiled down to stats understand: soccer isn't won on individual stats. It's in the space between plays, in the theatrics of critical moments, in the choices that are made under the greatest pressure. And that's where the U.S. fell short, when it was most important, they were unable to convert dominance into results. Josh Sargent, Weston McKennie, Tim Weah, and Christian Pulisic created chances. Rotated, threatened, pressed the team. But lacked killer instinct. They tried to take Panama out wide, stretch them, attack the middle, vary it up, make them demand. and then slowed. Slowed down against Panama's compact defense line and, when that line finally was broken, ran into Orlando Mosquera's quick reactions, who simply tuned in.

Panama showed the maturity and courage of a team that's learned through the years

The days are gone when Panama was described as a one-trick team, committed to a shell of a defense or surviving on breaks of luck. With Thomas Christiansen at the helm, the side has developed tactically, understands the ebbs and flows of the game, and, most importantly, has the presence of mind to soak up pressure and strike at the right times.

This wasn't luck. This wasn't circumstance. Panama had already knocked out USMNT from the 2023 Gold Cup on penalties. They had already beaten them in the group stage of the 2024 Copa América. This was the cherry on the cake. They knew how to rattle the hosts, how to suck the air out of the crowd, how to turn every passing minute into a psychological grind.

Waterman's objective was the essence of all that. When USMNT were psyching themselves up for extra time. Panama went for it. Rapid transition, Carrasquilla's precision pass, and a finish with no fireworks, no flair, just the right amount of venom. A low, hushed, almost sheepish strike which muzzled SoFi.

Finals are for those who can bear the burden

When it comes to finals, the discussion is different. It's not just enough to play well,  had to survive the pressure. America bore the brunt of being the favorite. A lineup filled with European talent seemed more concerned with staying in charge than when to burst through. Where was the missing ingredient? That flavor of finality, the courage to take the daring shot, the cutting pick, the surprise maneuver.

Pulisic was ineffective. McKennie came on, but Mosquera knew how to shut him down. And the manager, who brought in the 68th minute, brought in freshmen Agyemang and McGlynn who provided zip, but not precision for a blow that would kill. The chemistry did not materialize. The knock-out punch was not thrown.

On the other side, Panama didn't need infinite touches or clinical possession. What they needed was clarity. They knew the game, waited patiently, and didn't blink. A team that knows its weaknesses but knows how to use its strengths. And when the ball dropped between U.S. defenders, Waterman was ready. Not a step too soon or a step too late. Just so.

Sunday is another test

Panama faces Mexico on Sunday in the title game. And this time, they're not going in as underdogs. They're the heroes now. And all of that is a game-changer. Pressure realigns.

Meanwhile, USMNT will have to swallow this loss and find the strength to fight for third place against Canada, a bitter consolation prize for a team that was looking to win a fourth straight title.