El Salvador and Guatemala will compete at Estadio Cuscatlan in an important match in Group A of the Concacaf 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Both teams are under pressure to secure a positive result as they aim to maintain their World Cup aspirations, following poor performances in recent games.
El Salvador is currently third in the group with three points. They started the qualifiers with a victory over Guatemala away but have since lost two consecutive matches against Suriname and Panama at home.
On the other hand, Guatemala is still looking for their first win in this round. After losing their opening match to El Salvador, they have drawn their last two games against Suriname and Panama.
Suriname and Panama are at the top of the group with five points each, followed by El Salvador with three points and Guatemala with two. Only the top teams from each group will automatically qualify for the World Cup, and the two best runners-up will advance to the playoffs, making this match critical for both teams.
Rubio Rubin of Guatemala celebrates a goal. (Getty Images)
Probable lineup for El Salvador
El Salvador’s coach Hernan Gomez will need to make several changes due to player absences. Bryan Landaverde is suspended from yellow card accumulation, while Roberto Dominguez and Christian Martinez are injured.
Projected starting lineup for El Salvador: Mario Gonzalez; Julio Sibrian, Henry Romero, Jorge Cruz, Diego Flores; Jefferson Valladares, Darwin Ceren, Mauricio Cerritos, Marcelo Diaz, Styven Vasquez; Brayan Gil.
Probable lineup for Guatemala
Guatemala’s manager Luis Fernando Tena is expected to make two changes to the lineup that faced Suriname. Jose Mario Rosales will enter midfield in place of Rodrigo Saravia, while Rudy Muñoz will replace Antonio de Jesus Lopez.
Projected starting lineup for Guatemala: Nicholas Hagen; Nicolas Samayoa, Aaron Herrera, Jose Morales, Jose Carlos Pinto; Jonathan Franco, Stheven Robles, Jose Mario Rosales; Rudy Muñoz, Oscar Santis, Rubio Rubin.