The Guatemala national soccer team secured its place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Gold Cup after defeating Guadeloupe 3-2 on Tuesday, June 24, in a thrilling match played as part of Group C’s closing match.
With this result, the team coached by Mexico’s Luis Fernando Tena reached six points, the result of two wins (against Jamaica and Guadeloupe) and one loss, which allowed them to qualify as second place in the group, advancing for the second consecutive tournament to the Concacaf’s best eight.
Key goals and tension until the end
The duel, played with high intensity, saw Guatemala take the lead with a penalty kick converted by José Carlos Pinto in the 13th minute.
This was followed by a great play culminated by Ólger Escobar at 29′, to make it 2-0.
Guadeloupe responded in the second half with a well-taken penalty kick by Ange-Freddy Plumain in the 50th minute.
Guatemala qualified as the second-place team in their group
Although Rubio Rubín extended the Chapin lead again in the 70th minute with a rare goal with his chest, Matthias Phaeton scored the equalizer in the 78th minute to ignite the final stretch of the match.
The Caribbeans pressed until the last second, including a clear opportunity for Tayrik Arconte in stoppage time, but the scoreboard remained unchanged.
Growing as an emerging power
This qualification represents the second consecutive time that Guatemala has reached the quarterfinals.
This is a significant milestone considering that before 2023 they had not made progress since 2011.
Tena’s process is beginning to bear fruit, consolidating a young but competitive generation.
In 2023, Guatemala had also qualified as group leader, but was eliminated by Jamaica.
This year it will be looking to improve on that performance, and is preparing to face Canada on June 29.
The good performance of goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, together with the leadership of Pinto and the offensive talent of Rubín, allow the Guatemalans to dream of advancing further in the tournament.
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