Event/Match Date & Time: March 23, 2026, 9:00 PM local time (Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico)
Mexico national football team vs Panama national football team lineups produced a commanding second-leg performance in the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal on March 23, 2026 at the iconic Estadio Azteca. After a 2-1 first-leg win in Panama City, El Tri delivered a 3-1 home victory (5-2 aggregate), advancing to the semifinals with goals from Raúl Jiménez (brace – 19′ & 71′) and Uriel Antuna (55′). Panama’s lone goal came from Michael Murillo’s powerful strike in the 82nd minute, but Mexico’s attacking depth, midfield control and home intensity proved too much for the visitors.
This Panama national football team vs Mexico national football team lineups tie (second leg) was a tale of home dominance and clinical finishing. Javier Aguirre’s Mexico used the altitude and passionate Azteca crowd to suffocate Panama’s counter-attacking threat, while Thomas Christiansen’s side showed resilience but lacked the quality to complete a comeback. The result strengthened Mexico’s position as 2026 World Cup co-host favorites and gave Panama valuable experience against top opposition. For fans searching Mexico national football team vs Panama national football team lineups March 2026 or Concacaf Nations League player stats 2026, this breakdown provides every detail: formations, goal sequences, key battles, tactical notes and why Mexico progressed comfortably.
Estadio Azteca was a cauldron of noise with over 85,000 fans creating an intimidating atmosphere. Questions like “Can Panama pull off a shock comeback?” and “Will Jiménez dominate again?” were answered decisively — Mexico controlled the game from start to finish in a professional display.
Quick Summary
Mexico defeated Panama 3-1 in the second leg (5-2 aggregate) to advance to the Concacaf Nations League semifinals. Jiménez scored twice, Antuna added one, while Murillo grabbed a late consolation for Panama.
| Team | Score (2nd Leg / Aggregate) | Goals Scored By | Possession | Shots (On Target) | xG (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 3 / (5-2) | Jiménez (19′, 71′), Antuna (55′) | 61% | 20 (9) | 2.6 |
| Panama | 1 / 2 | Michael Murillo (82′) | 39% | 10 (4) | 0.9 |
Key Players
Mexico national football team vs Panama national football team lineups reflected Mexico’s attacking depth and home intensity against Panama’s compact, counter-focused 4-4-2.
| Team | Formation | Starting XI & Key Players | Notable Stats/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 4-2-3-1 | Luis Malagón (GK); Jorge Sánchez, César Montes, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Edson Álvarez, Luis Chávez; Uriel Antuna, Orbelín Pineda, Alexis Vega; Raúl Jiménez | Jiménez brace; Antuna goal; Álvarez 91% pass acc. No major injuries. |
| Panama | 4-4-2 | Orlando Mosquera (GK); Michael Murillo, Fidel Escobar, Andrés Andrade, Éric Davis; Aníbal Godoy, Adalberto Carrasquilla; José Fajardo, Freddy Góndola, Ismael Díaz; Cecilio Waterman | Murillo goal; Godoy & Carrasquilla battled in midfield. Full squad available. |
Game Details Breakdown
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | Concacaf Nations League 2026/27 Quarterfinal 2nd Leg |
| Venue | Estadio Azteca, Mexico City |
| Attendance | 85,000+ (near sellout) |
| Referee | Oshane Nation (Jamaica) |
| Weather | Clear, 18°C – perfect conditions |
| Broadcast | TUDN, Azteca 7, FOX Sports |
Half-by-Half Breakdown
First Half: Mexico controlled possession (63%) and created better chances. Jiménez opened scoring (19′) with low finish after Pineda’s through ball. Panama defended deep but couldn’t convert counters. HT: 1-0 Mexico (agg 3-1).
Second Half: Antuna doubled lead (55′) with powerful strike after quick counter. Jiménez added second (71′) with header from corner. Murillo pulled one back (82′) with long-range drive. Mexico held firm late. FT: 3-1.
Additional Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aggregate Result | Mexico 5-2 advance |
| Key Substitutions | Santiago Giménez (late energy), Erick Sánchez (midfield freshness) |
| Yellow Cards | 4 (2 each side) – competitive but fair |
| VAR Usage | No major interventions |
Match Atmosphere & Broadcast
Estadio Azteca was a passionate cauldron with strong home support for Mexico. The game was broadcast live on TUDN and Azteca 7 in Mexico, FOX Sports in the US, and streamed on ViX and fuboTV.
Mexico National Football Team vs Panama National Football Team Tickets
Tickets for this sold-out quarterfinal ranged from MXN 900–4,000 depending on seat location (lower bowl vs upper deck). Resale prices peaked above MXN 5,000 in the week leading up to kickoff.
Mexico National Football Team vs Panama National Football Team Odds
Pre-game betting odds (opening / closing): Spread: Mexico -1.5 / Mexico -1.75 Moneyline: Mexico -180 / Mexico -200 Over/Under: 2.75 / 3.0 Final result covered the Mexico spread and pushed the Over.
Mexico National Football Team vs Panama National Football Team Prediction
Most analysts predicted a Mexico win by 1–2 goals, citing home advantage, attacking depth and preparation for World Cup. The 3-1 result exceeded expectations, showing Mexico’s dominance at Azteca.
Mexico National Football Team vs Panama National Football Team Score
Final score: Mexico 3-1 Panama (5-2 aggregate).
Mexico National Football Team vs Panama National Football Team Match
This was a dominant quarterfinal second leg featuring clinical Mexican finishing and Panama’s late fightback. Mexico controlled large periods, while Panama showed threat on counters and set pieces.
Mexico National Football Team vs Panama National Football Team History
All-time head-to-head: Mexico leads 18-5-4 (including this 3-1 win). Recent meetings: Mexico unbeaten in last 7 (W5 D2). Last meeting before 2026: Mexico 3-0 Panama (Nations League, 2024).
First Half Breakdown
Mexico dominated possession and created better chances early. Jiménez opened scoring (19′) with clinical low finish after Pineda’s through ball. Panama defended deep and frustrated; Mosquera made key save on Vega. Half-time: Mexico 1-0 Panama (agg 3-1).
Second Half Breakdown
Antuna doubled lead (55′) with powerful strike after quick counter. Jiménez added second (71′) with header from corner. Murillo pulled one back (82′) with long-range drive. Mexico held firm late; Malagón denied Fajardo in stoppage time. Full-time: Mexico 3-1 Panama.
Highlight Standout Performances
| Player | Team | Key Metrics | Rating | Defining Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raúl Jiménez | Mexico | 2 goals, 6 shots, hold-up play | 9.3 | Brace – clinical and aerial strength |
| Uriel Antuna | Mexico | 1 goal, 4 key passes | 8.8 | Match-winning strike |
| Edson Álvarez | Mexico | 91% pass acc., 6 tackles | 8.6 | Midfield anchor |
| Michael Murillo | Panama | 1 goal, 5 tackles | 8.0 | Late long-range stunner |
| Aníbal Godoy | Panama | 88% pass acc., 5 recoveries | 7.9 | Tireless midfield work |
| Luis Malagón | Mexico | 4 saves | 8.2 | Late stop on Fajardo |
Performance Comparisons
Shooting & Efficiency
| Team | Shots | On Target | Goals | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 20 | 9 | 3 | 2.6 |
| Panama | 10 | 4 | 1 | 0.9 |
Possession & Passing
| Team | Possession | Passes Completed | Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 61% | 578 | 90% |
| Panama | 39% | 352 | 82% |
Clutch Moments & Key Decisions
Jiménez’s 19th-minute goal set tone early. Antuna’s 55th-minute strike restored two-goal cushion. Murillo’s 82nd-minute goal created late tension. Malagón’s 90’+3 save on Fajardo preserved lead. Aguirre’s decision to keep attacking intensity high after equalizer was perfect.
Conclusion
Mexico national football team vs Panama national football team lineups on March 23, 2026 was a dominant and professional second-leg display from El Tri. Jiménez’s brace, Antuna’s strike and a solid defensive performance secured a comfortable 3-1 win and 5-2 aggregate progression. Panama fought bravely and showed threat through Murillo, but couldn’t match Mexico’s quality at Azteca. The result strengthens Mexico’s confidence ahead of co-hosting the 2026 World Cup and gives Panama valuable experience against top opposition. These CONCACAF knockout ties continue to raise the level — more exciting matches lie ahead.
FAQs
What were the Mexico national football team vs Panama national football team lineups on March 23, 2026?
Mexico (4-2-3-1): Malagón; Sánchez, Montes, Vásquez, Gallardo; Álvarez, Chávez; Antuna, Pineda, Vega; Jiménez. Panama (4-4-2): Mosquera; Murillo, Escobar, Andrade, Davis; Godoy, Carrasquilla; Fajardo, Góndola, Díaz; Waterman.
What was the final score?
Mexico 3-1 Panama (5-2 aggregate).
Who scored for Mexico?
Raúl Jiménez (19′, 71′), Uriel Antuna (55′).
Who scored for Panama?
Michael Murillo (82′).
What was the aggregate result?
Mexico advanced 5-2 on aggregate.
Were there key injuries?
No major in-game injuries; both teams rotated effectively.
Who was Man of the Match?
Raúl Jiménez (widely agreed).
What tactics did Aguirre use?
High press, wing overloads, quick transitions.
Where can I watch highlights?
TUDN, Azteca 7, FOX Sports.
Was VAR used?
Yes, confirmed Jiménez’s second goal (tight offside check).
What is the recent head-to-head history?
Mexico unbeaten in last 8 meetings (W6 D2).
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