INGLEWOOD, Calif. — To bundle the United States, Mexico, Canada and Panama in anything these days is to invite political overtures, even if it’s men playing a game of soccer.
During the Concacaf Nations League finals this week — the culmination of an annual tournament featuring national teams from the region — there will be no on-field debate about tariffs, borders, statehood or canals.
Fifteen months ahead of the World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, coaches and players are keen on winning a trophy. That alone is enough to fuel the fire of teams that clash regularly.