The U.S. Men’s National Team’s (USMNT) first competitive match under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino ended in disappointment, as Panama delivered a 1-0 upset in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinal. In front of a half-empty SoFi Stadium, the Americans struggled to find their footing, leaving fans concerned about their readiness for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.
Pochettino did not mince words in his post-match assessment, criticizing the team’s lack of energy and aggression. “The way we approached the game and started the game wasn’t in the right way,” he said. “The first half was really painful to see.” Players echoed similar concerns, acknowledging that the grit and intensity Pochettino aims to instill were absent.
‘A very professional performance’ – Pochettino on winning his USMNT debut
This loss is a significant setback for the USMNT, who have limited opportunities to prepare for the World Cup. The Nations League and next year’s Gold Cup are their only competitive tournaments before the global stage. As a result, the Americans must quickly address issues of tempo, cohesion, and execution to regain regional supremacy and build momentum.
A disappointing game for the new coach
Despite being heavily favored, the USMNT played without urgency or creativity throughout the match. The team was booed off the field at halftime after an uninspired first-half display. Panama, under head coach Thomas Christiansen, frustrated the Americans with disciplined defense and patient buildup play.
Cecilio Waterman’s 94th-minute goal stunned the U.S. and secured Panama’s victory, further solidifying their dominance in recent competitive fixtures. The Panamanians now boast a 4-1 record against the USMNT in official matches.
Panama’s victory, meanwhile, is another milestone under Christiansen’s leadership. The team continues to punch above its weight, proving to be a thorn in the side of more heralded opponents.
For the USMNT, the loss serves as both a wake-up call and a crucial learning moment. As the countdown to 2026 continues, Pochettino and his squad face the daunting task of finding consistency and rediscovering the competitive edge needed to compete at the highest level.
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