In the end, experience mattered. Raúl Jiménez, playing for the 109th time for Mexico, sunk an up-and-coming Canada team trying to prove it belonged in a Concacaf final.
The 33-year-old Fulham forward’s two goals propelled Mexico to its third Nations League final with a 2-0 win Thursday night.
Mexico has yet to win the competition, but either way a new champion will be crowned after Panama’s surprise 1-0 triumph over the U.S., the only previous winner.
Jesse Marsch’s Canada came into the game brimming with confidence, eager to prove it belonged. But for all the excitement and preparation, Canada was still unable to break down a Mexican side that never looked under any real pressure.
The loss will serve as a reminder of how difficult it has been for Canada to score goals under Marsch. In half of his 14 games in charge, Canada has been shut out. Much to consider for Marsch ahead of the 2026 World Cup…
GO FURTHER
Raúl Jiménez and a tested Mexico crush Canada’s Nations League hopes
