The United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) got a shocking defeat in the hands Panama in Concacaf Nations League semifinalsa result that has aroused serious concerns about the team as the team that 2026 World Cup approach.
Despite dominant possession and created more chances, Americans Fell 1-0 to an resilient Panama page, with visitors’ Last minute goal seals its fate At Sofi Stadium in Ingrlewood, California.
But in addition to the defeat itself, two worrying takeaways arose: clinical finishing and A surprisingly low presencewith Christian Pulisic’s reaction highlights the growing problems.
Panama’s late winner stunes the United States
On the way into the semi -finals, USMNT was the overwhelming favorites. With won all three previous editions of the Nations Leagueexpectations were they would do that Skillfully sends Panama And march against another final. Still, from the opening list, it did not go according to plan.
Despite control 66% of the holdingAmericans Unable to break through their opponent’s well -organized defense. Mauricio Pochettino, in his first major test as usmnt head coachsaw his side fight to force his attacking rhythm, with Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie fail to deliver decisive moments.
With the match seemingly on its way to extra time, The disaster struck in the 94th minute. A defensive decay permitted Panama’s Cecilio Waterman To find space inside the box and his Clinical finish sent US crashes out of the tournament.
It was one Historic gain for Panamamarks theirs first knockout scene victory over the stars and stripes in a big competition and secure them a place in the final against Mexico. For the American side it was a crushing blow – not only because of the result, but because of what it revealed about the team’s Lack of groundbreaking in crucial moments.
Low presence is paying attention to Pulisic’s attention
While the result was bad enough, Another important speech point occurred even before kickoff: shockingly low presence At Sofi Stadium. A competition semi -final with Host nation for next FIFA -VM Should have drawn a packed house. Instead, the audience was sparse, with large parts of empty places visible throughout the stadium.
Also Christian Pulisic could not hide his reaction. When he stood for the national anthem, He looked around the stadium and released a awkward smileseemingly acknowledged Overwhelming voter turnout.
Before the national songs saw Christian Pulisic around the stadium, saw the low presence and smiled difficult. “😬”
The Milan The star’s body language said everything, Athletic suggests. The Fracture added another layer of concern for a team that is supposed to build speed for 2026.
While the Late afternoon California kickoff time really didn’t help, disinterest from local fans were alarming. For a country that is proud to grow football’s popularity and fail to fill a stadium for an international match with high efforts raises questions about enthusiasm for the national team.
