Guatemala’s journey kicked off in Round 2 of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers. Placed in Group E, Los Chapines squared off against Jamaica, Dominica, the British Virgin Islands, and the Dominican Republic. They put together a strong initial showing, winning three of their four matches, with their lone defeat coming at the hands of Jamaica, who also advanced to the final round.

Despite that early promise, Guatemala fell short of expectations in Round 3 after being drawn into a grueling Group A alongside Panama, El Salvador, and Suriname. Throughout the home-and-away round-robin schedule, Guatemala posted a balanced record of two wins, two losses, and two draws. Their 8-point total left them agonizingly close to a lifeline, finishing just a single point behind Suriname for the Intercontinental Playoff spot.

Led by standout forward Oscar Santis, who netted an impressive six goals during the cycle, Guatemala were widely expected to make a deeper push toward their first-ever World Cup berth. Instead, the team fell frustratingly short of its goal.

Have Guatemala ever qualified for the World Cup?

Guatemala have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup at the senior men’s level. The closest the nation ever came to breaking that curse was during the 2006 qualification cycle, where they reached the final hexagonal round. Their dreams were shattered on the final matchday when Trinidad and Tobago won their finale to edge out Guatemala for the intercontinental playoff spot.

However, Guatemala boast a proud soccer history that includes three Olympic Games appearances and a historic CONCACAF Championship (the predecessor to the Gold Cup) title in 1967, which they secured by defeating Mexico. While they haven’t replicated that level of regional success in recent decades, the country’s passion for the sport remains unwavering.

Guatemala’s World Cup appearances in other categories

While the senior squad continue their long-standing struggle to break through, Guatemala’s youth system has shown flashes of brilliance, with the U-20 national team qualifying for two FIFA World Cups (Colombia 2011 and Argentina 2023). On the flip side, a U-17 World Cup berth remains an elusive milestone that the federation has yet to achieve.

Beyond traditional 11-a-side soccer, Guatemala have established themselves as a legitimate regional powerhouse in futsal, qualifying for the FIFA Futsal World Cup six times (2000 as hosts, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2024). Additionally, they recently secured a spot in the 2025 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, though they are still hunting for an elusive international trophy across all formats.

Sebastian Beccacece confirmed the starting lineup for the match, and one of the biggest talking points surrounds the absence of Moises Caicedo from the opening whistle. The Chelsea midfielder, widely considered the premier figure of the Ecuadorian squad, begins the encounter on the bench among the substitutes.

Everything suggests that the coaching staff decided against risking one of their most important players with the upcoming World Cup in mind. The primary idea is to prevent injuries so that everyone can arrive in optimal condition for the debut, a cautious approach that the manager also adopted with key players like William Pacho and Piero Hincapie, who recently featured in the Champions League final, alongside several other regular starters.

Ecuador’s confirmed lineup

Sebastian Beccacece opts to utilize a backup squad for this specific encounter against Guatemala, given the friendly nature of the match, presenting a perfect opportunity to analyze what their potential tactical alternatives could be during the World Cup, especially considering that the preferred starting 11 remains almost completely unchangeable.

Ecuador starting XI:

• Goalkeeper: Hernan Galindez
• Defenders: Alan Franco, Felix Torres, Jackson Porozo, Yaimar Medina
• Midfielders: Jordy Alcivar, Anthony Valencia, Jeremy Arevalo, Kendry Paez, Alan Minda
• Forward: Jordy Caicedo

Ecuador as one of the candidates to be a surprise

Ecuador arrive at the tournament in one of the best moments in their entire sporting history, boasting an unprecedented crop of young talent and finishing second in the Qualifiers only behind Argentina.

La Tri will reach the World Cup with the ultimate dream of becoming one of the true surprises of the competition, as their official debut comes on June 14 against Ivory Coast for the opening fixture of the group stage, a match that could completely set the course for their tournament participation.

Ecuador form part of Group E in the 2026 World Cup, in addition to Ivory Coast, featuring Germany and Curacao. It is a group that at first glance appears extremely complicated, but a strong belief exists that Ecuador can spring a major surprise in a setting very similar in characteristics to their group in Qatar 2022, where they shared the stage with Qatar, Netherlands, and Senegal.

Ecuador are called to be the dark horse of the tournament, so the big win today kept their stock —and morale— very high. Ecuador plays in a very tough Group E against Ivory Coast, Curacao, and Germany in the 2026 World Cup.

Guatemala have now lost four games in a row. They haven’t won a game in 2026 yet, as they lost to Canada, Algeria, Czechia, and now Ecuador. They were shown there are levels to this game today by Ecuador.

How to watch Ecuador vs Guatemala in the USA

Fans looking to watch this highly anticipated showdown live will have two streaming choices available. The match will air on Fubo PPV and Fanatiz PPV, allowing supporters to follow the action from almost anywhere.

With both platforms providing live coverage of this marquee encounter, viewers will be able to enjoy every key play and dramatic moment from start to finish.

Can I watch Ecuador vs Guatemala for free?

Viewers in the United States can stream this highly anticipated matchup live on Fubo, which carries the channel broadcasting the game nationwide.

While Fubo typically includes a 5-day free trial for new users, that promotion will not be available for this specific event, meaning there is currently no free way to watch the game live in the USA.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Ecuador and Guatemala meet in an intriguing international friendly. Ecuador enters the matchup focused on fine-tuning a talented young squad ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Expectations continuing to rise for a team many believe could make a deep run on soccer’s biggest stage. Guatemala, meanwhile, is looking to build on the progress it has made in recent years after falling short of a historic World Cup qualification bid.

Facing one of South America’s top teams provides a valuable measuring stick for Los Chapines as they continue their growth and prepare for future competitions.

Ecuador vs Guatemala: Predicted Lineups

Ecuador (4-4-2): Galindez; Franco, Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie; Preciado, Caicedo, Vite, Angulo; Plata, Valencia.

Guatemala (3-4-3): Moran; Hernandez, Ardon, Pinto; Yanes, Franco, Rosales, Morales; Santis, Mendez, Munoz.

What time is the Ecuador vs Guatemala match?

The match kicks off today, June 7, at 4:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 4:00 PM
Central Time: 3:00 PM
Mountain Time: 2:00 PM
Pacific Time: 1:00 PM

Even though Guatemala missed out on qualification for this summer’s tournament in North America, Los Chapines are actively evaluating new talent and testing tactical variations to build a foundation for their 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle.

How to watch Guatemala vs Czech Republic in the USA

Fans will have more than one way to watch this exciting showdown live. In the United States, the game will be televised on FS2.

Those who would rather stream can follow the action live on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and ViX, providing several convenient viewing options.

Can I watch Guatemala vs Czech Republic for free?

Fans in the United States can stream this highly anticipated game live on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, all of which carry the network broadcasting the matchup.

New subscribers can also take advantage of free trials, with Fubo and DirecTV Stream offering 5 days and Hulu + Live TV providing 3 days of access.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Czech Republic continues its preparations for a highly anticipated return to the FIFA World Cup, marking its first appearance at the tournament in years and renewing the legacy of a nation whose predecessor, Czechoslovakia, twice finished as a World Cup runner-up.

Looking to build momentum and sharpen its form ahead of the global stage, the Czechs will use this friendly clash as an important test. Standing across from them is a Guatemala side that has made notable strides in recent years and continues its pursuit of a long-awaited World Cup berth.

For Los Chapines, this matchup offers a valuable opportunity to measure their progress against European competition while gaining experience that could prove crucial in future qualification campaigns.

Guatemala vs Czech Republic: Predicted Lineups

Guatemala (4-3-3): Hagen, Ardón, Pinto, Herrera, Samayoa, Saravia, Castellanos, Galindo, Mendez-Laing, Rubín, Méndez.

Czech Republic (3-5-2): Kovář, Coufal, Hranáč, Krejčí, Zelený, Souček, Provod, Šulc, Hložek, Schick, Kuchta.

What time is the Guatemala vs Czech Republic match?

The match kicks off today, June 4, at 8:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
Central Time: 7:00 PM
Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
Pacific Time: 5:00 PM

[Watch Algeria vs Guatemala online in the US on Fubo]

Expect a lively international friendly as Guatemala continues to build momentum despite missing out on the upcoming World Cup, with the program showing steady growth and a belief that a first-ever qualification is within reach in the near future.

This FIFA Matchday presents a valuable measuring stick for the Central American side as they square off against World Cup–bound Algeria, a seasoned squad using this matchup to sharpen its roster and rhythm against a competitive opponent.

When will the Algeria vs Guatemala match be played?

Algeria face Guatemala in a 2026 friendly game this Friday, March 27, with the match kicking off at 3:30 PM (ET).

Algeria vs Guatemala: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch Algeria vs Guatemala in the USA

This Friendly clash between Algeria and Guatemala will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: FOX Deportes and FOX One.

The conflict stems from a FIFA rule that prohibits a national team from competing on two different continents during a single international window. Guatemala were in technical violation of this rule, as they are already scheduled to face Algeria on Friday, March 27, at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa, Italy.

Despite the logistical hurdle of traveling from Europe to South America in just four days, Guatemala are reportedly fully committed to making the trip to face the defending World Champions at La Bombonera, which is the confirmed venue.

Argentina reportedly working on another friendly

Following the sudden cancellation of the Finalissima, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is working to ensure Lionel Messi and the national team maintain their competitive rhythm. While the friendly against Guatemala has been confirmed for, reports indicate that a second fixture is also in the works.

According to ESPN insider Martin Arevalo, the AFA is finalizing a second friendly match scheduled for Friday, March 27. Although the opponent and venue for this earlier fixture have not yet been disclosed, the goal is to provide the squad with maximum preparation time in Argentina before they depart for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Argentina roster for March friendlies

Below is the complete 28-man roster for the Guatemala friendly, headlined by Lionel Messi; the inclusion of Gianluca Prestianni stands out as one of the biggest surprises.

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid).

• Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Tomas Palacios (Inter Milan), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gabriel Rojas (Racing Club), Marcos Acuna (River Plate).

• Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma), Maximo Perrone (Como), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen).

• Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nico Paz (Como), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Lyon), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid).

While the squad features the familiar core of the reigning world champions, the inclusion of Benfica standout Gianluca Prestianni has emerged as the most polarizing talking point of the selection cycle.

Prestianni’s call-up comes amid significant controversy, as the 20-year-old remains at the center of a UEFA disciplinary investigation following an alleged racial slur directed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior during a heated Champions League clash in February.

Despite the ongoing storm surrounding the incident, Scaloni’s decision to integrate the young winger suggests the Albiceleste view him as a vital piece of their long-term depth chart ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

Below is the complete 28-man list for the Guatemala friendly, featuring Prestianni’s first senior call-up since the November international break:

• Goalkeepers: Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez (Aston Villa), Geronimo Rulli (Marseille), Juan Musso (Atletico Madrid).
• Defenders: Nahuel Molina (Atletico Madrid), Gonzalo Montiel (Sevilla), Cristian Romero (Tottenham), Leonardo Balerdi (Marseille), Marcos Senesi (Bournemouth), Nicolas Otamendi (Benfica), Tomas Palacios (Inter Milan), Nicolas Tagliafico (Lyon), Gabriel Rojas (Racing Club), Marcos Acuna (River Plate).
• Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (Roma), Maximo Perrone (Como), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Valentin Barco (Strasbourg), Rodrigo De Paul (Inter Miami), Exequiel Palacios (Bayer Leverkusen).
• Forwards: Lionel Messi (Inter Miami), Nico Paz (Como), Gianluca Prestianni (Benfica), Nicolas Gonzalez (Juventus), Giuliano Simeone (Atletico Madrid), Thiago Almada (Lyon), Jose Manuel Lopez (Palmeiras), Julian Alvarez (Atletico Madrid).

Surprises and snubs headline Messi-led roster

Defenders Gabriel Rojas and Tomas Palacios emerged as the standout surprises in Lionel Scaloni’s latest selection for Argentina’s upcoming friendly against Guatemala.

The duo’s inclusion highlights Scaloni’s continued commitment to integrating fresh defensive depth into the squad as the Albiceleste ramp up their preparations for a high-stakes summer in North America.

Perhaps the most notable omission from the squad is Franco Mastantuono, whose absence has fueled debate among the Argentine faithful. The Real Madrid phenom has endured a dip in form during his debut campaign at the Bernabeu, struggling to find consistent minutes in a crowded Madrid midfield.

With the roster officially set, Argentina will face Guatemala on March 31 in a match that serves as a crucial homecoming and farewell for the reigning world champions.

The friendly at La Bombonera marks the final domestic tune-up before the squad departs for the 2026 World Cup in June, where Lionel Messi and company will look to defend their crown on the world’s biggest stage.

“Following the cancellation of the Finalissima, Lionel Scaloni’s squad will travel to the country to undergo a week of intense collective training and play a friendly match on Tuesday, the 31st, against Guatemala. The work schedule, the call-up list for this FIFA window, and the stadium will be announced in the coming days,” the AFA stated in an official release.

In the next few days, Scaloni will announce the final roster of players who will join training next week for the last FIFA window prior to the World Cup. This will be the coach’s final opportunity to evaluate the players before finalizing the 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.

Who could make it to the final roster?

Regarding the roster, the coach is expected to consider the players he has consistently called up recently, though some surprises—such as Joaquin Panichelli of Racing Strasbourg—could earn a spot.

One of the primary uncertainties remains the presence of Lautaro Martinez, as the Inter Milan forward continues to recover from a strain to the soleus muscle in his left calf.

Not a new opponent for Messi

This Central American side is a familiar opponent for Argentina, as this will mark their fourth head-to-head meeting. Guatemala notably served as the first opponent of the Lionel Scaloni era back in 2018, when the manager debuted with a convincing 3–0 victory—a match played without Messi on the pitch.

However, the captain has faced Guatemala on other occasions with clinical results. Prior to the 2014 World Cup, Argentina defeated them 4–0, highlighted by a Messi hat-trick. He was also a key figure in their most recent encounter in June 2024, where the Albiceleste secured another 4–1 win with a brace from Leo.

Guatemala tried to respond through counterattacks and set pieces, but they struggled to break down Canada’s organized defense. Kenderson Navarro kept them in the game with several key saves, including a late stop on a Canadian counter.

Both sides made multiple substitutions to test squad depth and give players international minutes. Canada leave the pitch with a narrow win, while Guatemala will look to build on the experience as they prepare for upcoming challenges.