Just one month after losing the Nations League Final to the United States and sacking manager Diego Cocca, Mexico has recovered to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup with a 1-0 victory over Panama. Feyenoord striker Santiago Gimenez, who struggled at times this tournament, netted the game-winner in the 88th minute.
Mexico had mixed performances in the Group Stages, demolishing Honduras and Haiti but falling to Qatar. However, they were dominant in the knockouts, thrashing Costa Rica and Jamaica to reach the final. Panama, heavy underdogs despite knocking out the United States, put up a good fight, but ultimately El Tri deserved to win.
Henry Martin thought he gave Mexico the lead after 34 minutes, but his strike was ruled back for offsides. Both sides looked threatening but neither could convert until super-sub Gimenez sprinted past the tired Panamanian defense and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Mexico last lifted the trophy in 2019, beating the United States 1-0 in the final. In 2021 they made the final but lost the rematch, 1-0 to the Stars and Stripes.
