Guatemala face El Salvador in the 2026 Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers at the start of the final round, with both national teams looking to secure their first three points and gain momentum in Group A. The opening match sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive final round in the region.
[Watch Guatemala vs El Salvador live in the USA on Fubo]
Guatemala finished second in Group E of the second round, behind Jamaica, earning nine points with just one defeat, a 3-0 loss to the group leaders. Now, the national team looks to redeem itself and make a strong push for qualification.
El Salvador also finished second in its group, closing the round with a draw against the leaders, Suriname. The national team ended with eight points, recording two wins and two draws, and now seeks a strong start to the final round.
Guatemala lineup vs El Salvador
For this match, the Guatemalan coach keeps the same core group that competed in the 2025 Gold Cup. Positive news arrived with Nicholas Hagen, Stheven Robles, and José Morales returning from injuries and being available for selection. Nathaniel Méndez-Laing joins the squad after missing the June matches due to personal reasons.
Guatemala will line up as follows: Nicholas Hagen in goal; Aaron Herrera, José Pinto, Nicolás Samayoa, and José Morales in defense; Stheven Robles, Jonathan Franco, Oscar Santis, Rudy Muñoz, and Olger Escobar in midfield; Rubio Rubín as the forward.
El Salvador lineup vs Guatemala
El Salvador’s coach, ‘Bolillo,’ has the starting XI set for the match at Estadio Cementos Progreso. The lineup for El Salvador is: Gonzalez; Valladares, Flores Sanchez, Sibrian, Romero, Ceren, Landaverde, Cruz, Vasquez, Cerritos, Gil.