CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals: when did Panama last beat Mexico?

Mexico face a frequent foe in Thursday’s CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals, with Panama standing between Jaime Lozano’s men and a place in Sunday’s trophy decider.

El Tri met the Panamanians twice last year alone, coming out on top on both occasions. The pair of 1-0 victories - in the Nations League third-place playoff, and the Gold Cup final - saw the North Americans add to their positive record of results against Los Canaleros.

Indeed, their domination in clashes between the countries is such that you have to go back nearly 11 years, a period that has witnessed 14 clashes between the teams, to find Panama’s last win over Mexico.

When did Panama last beat Mexico?

In July 2013, the nations were drawn together in the group stage of the CONCACAF Gold Cup, before clashing again at the tournament in the semi-finals. In both games, it was the Panamanians who prevailed.

After a double by Gabriel Torres had given Panama a 2-1 victory in Group A, the Central Americans triumphed by the same scoreline when the teams met in the last four. At Arlington’s AT&T Stadium, which is also the stage for Thursday’s Nations League meeting - goals by Blas Pérez and Román Torres sent Panama into the final, with Luis Montes replying for Mexico.

Panama defeats in disastrous year for Mexicans

Overall, 2013 proved to be an ‘annus horribilis’ for the Mexicans. In addition to missing out on the Gold Cup final, the 12-time CONCACAF champions also flirted with failure to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

Only through a series of pieces of good fortune - including a dramatic late US comeback to beat Panama - were Mexico able to scrape into the inter-confederation playoffs, where they thumped New Zealand to book their ticket to Brazil.

Panama vs Mexico: when, where, how to watch?

Panama and Mexico face off in the CONCACAF Nations League semi-finals at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with kick-off scheduled for 10:15pm ET/7:15pm PT. Viewers in the United States will be able to watch the game on TUDN USA, Univisión and Paramount+.

In Thursday’s other Nations League semi-final, the US take on Jamaica at 7pm ET/4pm PT. That match will also be played at AT&T Stadium.