No FIFA Confederation has risen like Concacaf over the last five years, led by the emergence of the U.S. and Canadian men’s national teams and lofted by intense competition from Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, and others.
Four of the region's best squads will travel to Los Angeles and SoFi Stadium this week for the Concacaf Nations League Finals. The USMNT is looking for its fourth title, while Canada, Mexico, and Panama also seek the trophy.
In the semifinals on Thursday, the U.S. will face Panama, while Canada will take on Mexico. But if all the players could represent one squad, who would be in the starting lineup?
Concacaf Nations League Combined Lineup (4-4-2)Goalkeeper – Luis Ángel Malagón / Mexico (Club América)
Mexico have officially passed the torch on from Guillermo Ochoa and Luis Ángel Malagón
Ángel Malagón looks to be the man to start through the Concacaf Nations League Finals. While he only has seven appearances with El Tri, he’s been in stellar form with Club América, keeping 12 clean sheets in 34 matches in all competitions.
U.S. men’s national team starter Matt Turner would have likely been in the position should he have remained at Nottingham Forest, but he has struggled to play time with Crystal Palace and has entered the Nations League out of form.
In his final game before the tournament, he made six saves in a 3–1 América victory over Atlas.
LB: Alphonso Davies / Canada (FC Bayern Munich)
Alphonso Davies might just be the best left-back in the world, and he hits a different level when he captains the Canadian men’s national team. While he had inconsistent minutes at points in Vincent Kompany’s FC Bayern Munich, he’s returned to his peak form since signing a contract extension through 2029.
He comes into Marsch’s Canadian camp with a goal and two assists in 19 Bundesliga games and has scored critical UEFA Champions League goals against Celtic FC and Bayer Leverkusen.
CB: Moise Bombito / Canada (OGC Nice)
Moïse Bombito’s rise has been spectacular. A year ago, he started playing regular minutes in MLS with the Colorado Rapids. Since then, he has starred at the Copa América, earning himself a move to OGC Nice in Ligue 1, where he has become a key fixture of the backline.
A pacey, demanding center-back, Bombito has the potential to become one of the best in the world. Marsch has compared him to other players he has coached, including Dayot Upamecano, Ibrahim Konaté, Joško Gvardiol, and Lukas Klostermann. This season, Bombito has played in 21 matches for Nice.
CB: Johan Vázquez / Mexico (Genoa)
Johan Vázquez is among the few bright spots of a less-than-dominant generation for Mexico’s men’s national team. A key fixture for Serie A side, Genoa, Vazquez has helped stay mid-table in goals conceded, with 37 allowed in 29 games.
