The GUATEMALA National Team has started 2025 off on a positive note by defeating Honduras in a friendly game played in Fort Lauderdale, USA. José Ardón and Olger Escobar’s goals gave the Azul y Blanco a strong start to the season, and they are now concentrating on the obstacles that lie ahead, especially the CONCACAF 2025 Gold Cup preliminary stage.
The club will continue practicing in Fort Lauderdale under coach Luis Fernando Tena, and it is expected that key players Aaron Herrera, Nathaniel Méndez-Laing, and Nicolás Samayoa will be included. Their participation is anticipated to greatly strengthen the team as Guatemala plays Guyana in an attempt to qualify for the group stages of this prestigious regional tournament.
The first match between Guatemala and Guyana is set for Friday, March 21 at 19:00. Since Guyana’s facilities don’t exceed CONCACAF’s requirements for holding international Class A matches, the game, which was originally scheduled to take place on Guyanese land, has been rescheduled to Barbados’ Wildey Turf Stadium. Guatemala may benefit from this venue shift since it will save them the typical pressure of playing in their opponent’s home field.
The Cementos Progreso Stadium in Guatemala City is scheduled to host the return leg on Tuesday, March 25 at 18:30. Throughout 2025, the National Team will use Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores due to ongoing renovations. With the help of their fervent supporters, Guatemala will need home advantage as they look to secure qualifying.
Guatemala would guarantee their participation in the 2025 Gold Cup, which will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 6, if they prevail in this two-leg matchup against Guyana. The national squad is excited to confirm their participation and advance their football growth in the area when the group stage draw is set for April 10.
The Azul y Blanco are poised to reach a major turning point in their competitive history, with a team in consolidation and an optimistic fan base. The forthcoming challenges offer a chance for Guatemalan football to advance and improve on the global scene in addition to qualifying.
