Tena Closes Doors on Two Former Stars Amid Fan Demands in Guatemala

Journalist Juan Carlos Gálvez reports that Luis Fernando Tena has decided not to reinstate two well-known players to the Guatemalan national team, despite increasing requests during a difficult start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Gálvez stated on his X account that Jorge Aparicio and Antonio “Chucho” López will not be returning, saying, “it is practically impossible while Tena is in charge.”

Guatemala’s journey in the qualifiers has been challenging. The team lost its first match at home against El Salvador and only managed a draw against Panama, placing them at the bottom of Group A and under pressure. Fans have been advocating for the return of Aparicio and López, both of whom are performing well with Xelajú in domestic competitions.

Aparicio last played in July 2024 against El Salvador, where he served as captain. López’s last appearance was in January during a friendly against Iceland. Since then, neither player has been included in Tena’s roster, and his position seems firm regardless of their performance in club football.

Looking ahead, Guatemala is facing a crucial period. On October 10, they will travel to play against group leaders Suriname, followed by a challenging match against El Salvador just four days later. A defeat could put them six points behind, with only nine points left to earn, complicating their chances for a World Cup spot.