Mexico vs. Panama - Gold Cup final preview: TV channel/live stream, team news & prediction

Mexico and Panama clash in the 2023 Gold Cup final on July 16 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.

Both nations have enjoyed a successful tournament so far, with Mexico getting back to their roots under interim head coach Jaime Lozano, and Panama reaching the final for the just the third time in their history.

The Panamanians are unbeaten up to this point, as they topped Group C with seven points after defeating Costa Rica and Martinique, and drawing to El Salvador. Los Canaleros then swiftly dealt with Qatar in the quarterfinal, 4-0, before shocking the Concacaf region with a 1-1 (5-4) upset over the USMNT to advance to the final.

Mexico also finished first in their group, making light work of Honduras and Haiti before losing the final group stage game against Qatar, where Lozano rotated his team as they were already through to the quarterfinal regardless of the result. After defeating Costa Rica 2-0, Mexico had no trouble against Jamaica, winning 3-0 in a game that was similar to their first game of the tournament against Honduras.

The last meeting between Mexico and Panama was just last month, when El Tri triumphed 1-0 in the third-place game of the Concacaf Nations League. Since then, Mexico has been a very different team after parting ways with Diego Cocca, playing the game the way their supporters are used to seeing.

Will Panama win the Gold Cup for the first time ever, or will El Tri become champions for the ninth time?

Where to watch Mexico vs. Panama on TV/live stream?

When is kick-off? 7:30 PM EST

Where is the game being played? SoFi Stadium

TV channel/live stream? FOX

What time does TV coverage start? 7:15 PM EST

Mexico team news

Captain and goalkeeper Gulleirmo 'Memo' Ochoa spoke after Mexico's win against Jamaica:

"Honestly proud of the group of players, we had that little thorn in us, wanting things to turn out well, the team got to work, rolled up their sleeves, we stood up and with work the results come out, it is a united group that is close to the objective, we are not satisfied with what we have done and we want more."

"Jaime [Lozano] changed his face, he gives the player confidence, he believes in the Mexican player with the tactical aspect that he works on and most of Mexican soccer identifies with us, we can lose or win but it's the way we want to play, and the team is convinced With what the player asks of us, with the quality and daring of the players, the results can be achieved."

Edson Alvarez suffered a knock before the semifinal match against Jamaica, but managed to make a substitute appearance. No other injuries to report.

Panama team news

Panama head coach Thomas Christiansen will have his full squad available to him for the final. The central American country has ben led by Ismael Diaz's four goals in the tournament, alongside strong performances from goalkeeper Orlando Mosquera and midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla.

"There's been a very important evolution in the game model that we have seen from the team in the last few years. We have advanced a little bit more, with changes to the system," Christiansen said.

“Above all is to have the confidence of the people, and the federation in this case. It was sad not to go to the World Cup, but I don't want to say that we failed. Because we did some things very well, and perhaps that will bear fruit now."

Prediction

Mexico will be the favorites, especially after their recent turn around under Lozano that seems to have everyone pulling together in the same direction again within the federation. But Panama have shown after their result against the US that they shouldn't be underestimated, and Mexico may have a tough time breaking them down.

It will be a close game, but El Tri will slightly edge Panama with the quality they have at their disposal to bring home the Gold Cup trophy.

Prediction: Mexico 2 - Panama 1