By Eugene Oyier
Mexico’s national football team celebrated a stunning triumph as they clinched the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Panama. The victory marked a rapid turnaround for El Tri, who had suffered a disappointing early exit from the World Cup eight months prior. Santiago Giménez, a late substitute, became the hero of the match with a dramatic 88th-minute goal.
Giménez’s winning goal came after an electrifying sprint from the center circle, where he outpaced Panama’s Harold Cummings and Fidel Escobar before scuffing a left-footed shot over goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera. The Feyenoord forward’s goal secured Mexico’s record ninth Gold Cup title and his second of the tournament.
Under the guidance of interim coach Jaime Lozano, who took over just a month before the tournament, Mexico showcased an impressive resurgence. After a disappointing Nations League loss to the U.S., Lozano led the team to a triumphant Gold Cup campaign. The victory brought immense joy to the passionate Mexican fans in attendance at SoFi Stadium, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a World Cup match.
Mexico’s defensive solidity throughout the tournament was a key factor in their success, with the team conceding only two goals. With this win, Mexico now has more Gold Cup titles than all other nations combined. The U.S. has seven titles, while Canada has secured one.
Panama, despite putting up a strong fight, could not convert their solid scoring chances against veteran Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. This marked their third appearance in a Gold Cup final, having previously finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2013, both times losing to the U.S.
Mexico’s dominant performance in the first half, with 14 shots on goal, was met with resolute defending from Panama. The match saw Henry Martín’s close-range goal disallowed after a video review confirmed he was offside.
With this victory, Mexico’s football program has reinvigorated its ambitions for future success. Although Lozano’s contract was solely for the Gold Cup, he dreams of leading the national team in the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the U.S., and Canada.
The Gold Cup final, held in Southern California’s SoFi Stadium, saw an overwhelming presence of Mexican fans, demonstrating the passionate support the team receives in this region. Despite the absence of the U.S. national team, the sellout crowd created an electrifying atmosphere, showcasing the profound love for football in Southern California.