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Thu Mar 20 22:10:00 UTC 2025: ## USA and Panama Clash in Concacaf Nations League Semifinal Showdown
**Orlando, FL –** The United States and Panama are set to face off in a highly anticipated Concacaf Nations League semifinal match this Thursday, March 20th. US manager Mauricio Pochettino, while acknowledging the importance of winning the Nations League, emphasized the team’s ultimate focus on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. “We want to win, but for us, the World Cup is the priority,” Pochettino stated, adding that the pressure to perform for one’s country is always high. His team will feature stars like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
Panama’s coach, Thomas Christiansen, expressed a similar sentiment, prioritizing World Cup qualification but also revealing his ambition to make history in the Nations League. “What keeps me up at night is World Cup qualification, but I’m ambitious and want to compete,” Christiansen said, aiming for a place in the final and avoiding another fourth-place finish.
The match, crucial for both teams’ aspirations, kicks off at 5:00 PM CDT (7:00 PM EDT) and will be televised in Mexico on TUDN and in the USA on TUDN and Univision. Pochettino’s squad will be looking to maintain their dominance in Concacaf, while Christiansen’s Panama will strive for an upset victory. The absence of players like Alejandro Zendejas from the US roster has been noted, but Pochettino has selected a strong starting eleven nonetheless.