The USMNT face Panama in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals, with a spot in the final against either Canada or Mexico on the line.
The Americans have dominated this tournament, winning all three previous editions, and they’ll be eager to keep that streak alive. Under Mauricio Pochettino, who is chasing his first trophy as USMNT coach, the team has looked strong, comfortably dispatching Jamaica in the quarterfinals.
Panama, however, have proven to be a tricky opponent in recent years, knocking the U.S. out of both the 2023 Gold Cup and 2024 Copa América. Thomas Christiansen’s side will be confident after those results, though the Americans got the better of them in their last meeting, a 2-0 win in Pochettino’s debut.
With a mix of MLS and international talent, Panama will look to disrupt the U.S. once again, but the Yanks will be determined to take another step toward another Nations League title.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
USMNT vs. Panama live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this CONCACAF Nations League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: Univision, TUDN, CBS Sports Golazo
Live stream: Paramount+
This game is available for live TV broadcast in English language on CBS Sports Golazo. But the Spanish viewers can watch it on Univision, and TUDN.
Streaming options are available on Paramount+, which is offering a FREE trial for new subscribers.
What time does USMNT vs. Panama kick off?
This CONCACAF Nations League clash takes place at the SoFi Stadium, California and kicks off on Thursday, March 20 at 7 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Thu, Mar. 20 | 7 p.m. |
| Central Time | Thu, Mar. 20 | 6 p.m. |
| Mountain Time | Thu, Mar. 20 | 5 p.m. |
| Pacific Time | Thu, Mar. 20 | 4 p.m. |
USMNT vs. Panama lineups, team news
The USMNT could be without Johnny Cardoso, who is nursing a muscle strain, while Ricardo Pepi remains sidelined with a knee injury. Folarin Balogun was not called up after recovering from a shoulder issue, and Sergiño Dest was also left out as he works his way back from a long-term ACL injury.
On a positive note, Matt Turner is set to earn his 50th cap, and Josh Sargent returns to the squad in red-hot form, having netted eight times in his last eight games for Norwich City. Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah, who were key in the quarterfinals, will be expected to lead the attack.
USMNT predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Turner (GK) — Scally, Richards, Ream, A. Robinson — McKennie, Tessmann — Musah, Pulisic, Weah — Sargent.
Injured: Cardoso, Pepi, Balogun, Dest
Suspended: None
Panama are dealing with their own injury concerns, missing key players like Michael Murillo, Edgar Barcenas, and Andres Andrade, while Fidel Escobar is suspended. Abdiel Ayarza is also out following abdominal surgery, and Eric Davis will miss out due to a knee injury.
Edward Cedeno could make his international debut, while Cristian Martinez is in line for his 50th cap. Up front, Jose Fajardo—one goal away from breaking into Panama’s top 10 all-time scorers—will be one to watch after Los Canaleros edged past Costa Rica in the quarterfinals.
Panama predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Mosquera (GK) — Blackman, Farina, Cordoba, Gutierrez — Godoy, Martinez, Carrasquilla — Rodriguez, Fajardo, Waterman.
Injured: Murillo, Barcenas, Andrade, Ayarza
Suspended: Escobar
CONCACAF Nations League schedule this week
All times in ET
Thursday 20th March
- USMNT vs. Panama (7:00 p.m.)
Friday 21st March
- Canada vs. Mexico (10:30 p.m.)
