Guatemala and El Salvador Begin Final Round of World Cup Qualifiers

Guatemala and El Salvador will face off on Thursday in Guatemala City to kick off the final round of Concacaf qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, EFE reported. This Group A matchup is crucial for both teams, with the winner taking a significant step toward securing a direct spot in the tournament.

Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena is at the helm for Guatemala, while Colombian manager Hernán “Bolillo” Gómez leads El Salvador. The winning team from the group will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the second place will enter a playoff.

Guatemala comes into the game with momentum from its semifinal run in the 2025 Gold Cup. Young striker Óscar Santis from Antigua and midfielder Ólger Escobar from the Vancouver Whitecaps are key players to watch.

El Salvador arrived on Monday and practiced on artificial turf to adapt to the conditions at Cementos Progreso Stadium, where 11,000 fans are expected. Gómez stated that he is indifferent to Guatemala being seen as favorites, noting that pressure is a common part of important matches.

Historically, the teams are evenly matched in qualifying play, with each side recording three wins and three draws in nine encounters. Guatemala aims for its first World Cup appearance, while El Salvador looks to return to the tournament for the first time since 1982.