Mexico Claims First CONCACAF Nations League Title, Defeats Panama 2-1

Raul Jimenez scored twice, including a stoppage-time penalty, to lead Mexico to a dramatic 2-1 victory over Panama in the CONCACAF Nations League final, securing the title for the first time. The match, held at SoFi Stadium, was marred by controversy as it was halted due to homophobic chanting from Mexican fans, marking the third consecutive final impacted by this issue. Jimenez's performance was particularly notable as he also scored a brace in the semi-final against Canada, and he praised Mexico coach Javier Aguirre for his guidance. The victory exemplified Jimenez's remarkable return from a life-threatening injury sustained in 2020, which doctors had deemed a miracle for his survival. Despite the loss, Panama demonstrated resilience, having previously upset the United States in the semifinals. This win positions Mexico as the only other nation besides the U.S. to claim the title in this tournament's history.