The Guatemala national football team represents Guatemala in international men’s football and is governed by the National Football Federation of Guatemala. The team competes in CONCACAF tournaments, including the Gold Cup, Nations League, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA World Cup Record
Guatemala has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals. However, the team has reached the final stages of CONCACAF qualifying multiple times and has steadily improved in recent years.
Major Achievements
- CONCACAF Championship Winners: 1967
- UNCAF Nations Cup Champions: 2001
- CONCACAF Gold Cup Best Finish: Semifinal (2025)
- Olympic Football Appearances: 1968, 1976, 1988
Guatemala National Football Team FIFA Ranking
The Guatemala national football team has shown steady progress in the FIFA Men's World Rankings over the past few years. As of the latest official FIFA rankings, Guatemala is ranked 97th in the world with 1,238.74 ranking points.
Guatemala FIFA Ranking History
| Year | Best Rank | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 50 | Highest ranking in team history. |
| 2023 | Around 116 | Improved after strong CONCACAF Gold Cup performances. |
| 2025 | 100 | Climbed following a historic Gold Cup semifinal appearance. |
| 2026 | 97 | Current official FIFA ranking. |
Guatemala National Football Team Home Stadium
The Guatemala national football team plays most of its home matches at Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores, the country's largest football stadium. Located in Guatemala City, the stadium has been the national team's primary home venue since it opened in 1950.
Stadium Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores |
| Location | Guatemala City, Guatemala |
| Opened | 1950 |
| Seating Capacity | 26,116 spectators |
| Surface | GrassMaster (hybrid grass) |
| Primary Tenant | Guatemala National Football Team |
Guatemala National Football Team Current Squad
The Guatemala national football team features a blend of experienced internationals and emerging young talents. Under head coach Luis Fernando Tena, the squad has become one of the most competitive teams in Central America, with several players competing in Major League Soccer, Europe, and Guatemala's Liga Nacional.
Goalkeepers
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Nicholas Hagen | Columbus Crew |
| Luis Morán | Antigua GFC |
| Alessandro Navarro | Comunicaciones FC |
Defenders
| Player | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Aarón Herrera | Right-back | D.C. United |
| José Carlos Pinto | Centre-back | Comunicaciones FC |
| Nicolás Samayoa | Centre-back | Municipal |
| José Ardón | Centre-back | Antigua GFC |
| José Morales | Left-back | Municipal |
| Carlos Aguilar | Defender | Antigua GFC |
Midfielders
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Óscar Castellanos | Defensive Midfielder |
| Jonathan Franco | Defensive Midfielder |
| José Rosales | Midfielder |
| Jhon Méndez | Attacking Midfielder |
| Matt Evans | Attacking Midfielder |
| Kevin Ramírez | Left Midfielder |
Forwards
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Óscar Santis | Right Winger |
| Rudy Muñoz | Left Winger |
| William Fajardo | Right Winger |
| Olger Escobar | Attacking Midfielder / Forward |
| Arquímides Ordóñez | Striker |
Key Players
- Nicholas Hagen: First-choice goalkeeper known for his excellent reflexes.
- Aarón Herrera: Experienced MLS defender who strengthens Guatemala's back line.
- José Carlos Pinto: Veteran central defender and defensive leader.
- Óscar Santis: One of Guatemala's most creative attacking players.
- Olger Escobar: Rising young talent who has become an important part of the national team.
- Rudy Muñoz: Promising winger with pace and technical ability.
Probable Starting XI
Based on Guatemala's recent competitive matches and the preferred selections of head coach Luis Fernando Tena, the team is expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. While the starting XI may change depending on the opponent and player fitness, the following lineup represents Guatemala's strongest available team.
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| GK | Nicholas Hagen |
| RB | Aarón Herrera |
| CB | José Carlos Pinto |
| CB | Nicolás Samayoa |
| LB | José Morales |
| CDM | Óscar Castellanos |
| CDM | Jonathan Franco |
| RW | Óscar Santis |
| CAM | Olger Escobar |
| LW | Rudy Muñoz |
| ST | Arquímides Ordóñez |
Expected Formation (4-2-3-1)
World Cup Qualification
Although the Guatemala national football team has made significant progress in CONCACAF competitions, it has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. The team has participated in every qualifying cycle since joining FIFA in 1946 and has come close on several occasions but has yet to secure a place in the tournament.
FIFA World Cup Qualification Record
| Tournament | Qualification Result |
|---|---|
| 1930–1962 | Did not enter / Did not qualify |
| 1966 | Entry rejected |
| 1970 | Did not qualify |
| 1974 | Did not qualify |
| 1978 | Did not qualify |
| 1982 | Did not qualify |
| 1986 | Did not qualify |
| 1990 | Did not qualify |
| 1994 | Did not qualify |
| 1998 | Did not qualify |
| 2002 | Did not qualify |
| 2006 | Did not qualify |
| 2010 | Did not qualify |
| 2014 | Did not qualify |
| 2018 | Did not qualify |
| 2022 | Did not qualify |
| 2026 | Did not qualify |
CONCACAF Gold Cup Record
The Guatemala national football team has been a regular participant in the CONCACAF Gold Cup and its predecessor, the CONCACAF Championship. Guatemala won the regional title once in 1967 and has enjoyed several deep runs, including a historic semifinal appearance in 2025, their best finish in the modern Gold Cup era.
Head-to-Head Record
The Guatemala national football team has played hundreds of international matches against opponents from CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, UEFA, CAF, and AFC. Guatemala has historically performed best against fellow Central American and Caribbean nations, while facing tougher results against football powerhouses such as Mexico, the United States, and Argentina.
Head-to-Head Against Key Opponents
| Opponent | Played | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 67 | 17 | 18 | 32 |
| Honduras | 89 | 39 | 27 | 23 |
| Costa Rica | 52 | 14 | 18 | 20 |
| El Salvador | 20 | 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Canada | 17 | 2 | 4 | 11 |
| Panama | 17 | 10 | 2 | 5 |
| Belize | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
Notable Head-to-Head Statistics
- Most-played opponent: Honduras (89 matches).
- Best record against a frequent opponent: Belize (9 wins, 4 draws, no defeats).
- Biggest regional rivalry: Honduras, with nearly 90 meetings.
- Toughest opponent: Mexico, against whom Guatemala has recorded 17 wins in 67 meetings.
- Against Argentina: Guatemala has never defeated Argentina in an official senior international match.
FAQs
1. Has Guatemala ever qualified for the FIFA World Cup?
No. Guatemala has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup finals.
2. What is Guatemala's highest FIFA World Ranking?
Guatemala's highest-ever FIFA ranking is 50th, achieved in 1998.
3. Who is Guatemala's all-time top scorer?
Carlos Ruiz is the team's all-time leading scorer with 68 international goals.
4. What is the home stadium of the Guatemala national football team?
The team plays its home matches at Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City.
5. What is Guatemala's best CONCACAF Gold Cup finish?
Guatemala reached the semi-finals in 2025, their best finish in the modern CONCACAF Gold Cup.
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