Guatemala begins the final stage of the Concacaf World Cup qualifiers on Thursday against El Salvador. Head coach Luis Fernando Tena spoke to the media before the match, discussing his team’s recent performance and confidence after a successful run at the 2025 Gold Cup.
Tena stated that the team is in great condition with no injuries. “All 24 players are prepared. We believe in our capabilities, but we know it won’t be an easy match. I expect a tough, competitive game with few goals, as both teams have strong defenses,” he said.
El Salvador is Guatemala’s first challenge in Group A, which also includes Panama and Suriname. Tena anticipates a close contest. “I’m pleased with our team, but I recognize the strength of our opponents. This could come down to the final round and possibly goal difference. Starting with a win is crucial,” he emphasized.
When asked about being seen as favorites for the opener, Tena was cautious. “We’ve seen that some consider us favorites, but Panama is the top contender for the group. However, anything can happen. We aren’t overly confident, and Panama shouldn’t assume they’ll win easily either. We know each other well, and the matches must be played,” he noted.
To conclude, he aimed to inspire local pride. “Guatemalan football has more quality than many believe. We believe in ourselves based on our results and style of play. We have a strong team, and our fans and rivals recognize that,” he stated.
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