One year after its original scheduling, the inaugural edition of the CONCACAF Nations League will conclude Sunday with a finale between favorites the United States and Mexico. The coronavirus pandemic delayed the Nations League Finals at numerous junctures, but the first continental competition of its kind will finally reach its climax in Denver, Colorado.
The U.S. men’s national team were long expected to meet Gerard Martino’s men in the final, but both teams struggled in their respective semis and produced a solitary goal between them. Fans will hope for similar drama but more goals as the teams reconvene in Denver to decide who lifts the first Nations League crown ahead of the Gold Cup later this summer.
What TV Channel is the CONCACAF Nations League Final on?
Two long-time nemeses pick up their rivalry with silverware on the line this weekend, kicking off on TUDN at 9 p.m. ET. You can live stream CONCACAF Nations League matches on fuboTV.
How to Watch United States vs. Mexico
When: Sunday, June 6
Where: Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colorado
Time: 9 p.m. ET
TV Info: TUDN
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Neither team made it look pretty, but the United States and Mexico will be the last teams standing in pursuit of CONCACAF gold come Sunday. Patience paid off for Gregg Berhalter’s side following a goalless 89 minutes at Mile High, where Jordan Siebatcheu stood tall to power home his maiden international goal as a late substitute:
⚽ GOAL! Jordan Siebatcheu sends the @USMNT 🇺🇸 to the final of the Nations League!#TheDreamIsNow pic.twitter.com/4dlzbGuv5e
— Concacaf Nations League (@CNationsLeague) June 4, 2021
The Rennes striker—who spent this past season on loan with Swiss giants Young Boys—failed to find the net in each of his first three USA appearances (all friendlies) but came up clutch when his side needed him. The hosts had no excuses for under-performing given their full complement of stars, including the likes of Weston McKennie, Sergiño Dest and Christian Pulisic, fresh from his Champions League triumph with Chelsea. Berhalter may hardly have asked for a better time for Siebatcheu to register his first goal until now, saving the U.S. from a penalty shootout that would have given Honduras ample chance to advance.
Mexico failed to avoid that outcome and came within inches of what would have been an embarrassing semi-final defeat to a weakened Costa Rica. While Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas missed out for Los Ticos due to injury, Mexico No. 1 Guillermo Ochoa produced the save that sent El Tri to the final following a goalless 90 minutes:
SAVE OCHOA! MEXICO WINS! Allan Cruz is denied in sudden death PKs, and it'll be *USA vs. Mexico* for the Concacaf Nations League title
(via @TUDNUSA) pic.twitter.com/9NYhdxpYTd
— Planet Fútbol (@si_soccer) June 4, 2021
The two defenses deserved their credit for keeping their respective enemies at bay, although spectators will pray for a little more attacking verve with a title on the line this Sunday. Mexico and the United States haven’t produced a goalless result since March 2013 when they were attempting to qualify for the following year’s World Cup. The pair have averaged more than 2.5 goals per game in their nine meetings since then, with each team claiming three wins apiece during that period (not including wins in extra time).
