Guatemala’s Stunning Win Shatters El Salvador’s FIFA Worl…

Guatemala’s national team kept its FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a crucial victory that leaves El Salvador reeling.

According to ESPN Deportes, the 1-0 win at Estadio Cuscatlán on Tuesday night means Guatemala stays in contention for a ticket to the United 2026 tournament, while El Salvador’s path has effectively closed.

Guatemala now turns its focus to two decisive matches in November against Panama and Suriname. Under head coach Luis Fernando Tena, the squad continues to fight for a place in the expanded 48-team tournament.

The road to those matches was paved with resilience in San Salvador. In front of a packed Cuscatlán crowd, Guatemala secured the win through Oscar Santis, whose goal in the opening minute of the second half sealed the night.

The match opened with El Salvador looking to control the tempo through physical play. Early pressure nearly paid off in the 10th minute when Nathan Ordaz broke through on the left, forcing Guatemalan goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen into a diving save. Five minutes later, José “El Caballo” Morales tested El Salvador’s Mario González with a long-range strike, signaling Guatemala’s intent.

El Salvador continued to create chances, including a dangerous header from Ronal Gómez in the 30th minute that smashed against the crossbar. Despite these moments, Guatemala’s defense stayed disciplined and kept the score level at halftime.

Just after the break, Guatemala struck. Jesús López found space to deliver a sharp pass to Santis, who unleashed a right-footed shot from distance. González stretched but couldn’t keep it out, and the scoreboard shifted to 1-0 in the 46th minute.

El Salvador fought to equalize. In the 60th minute, chaos in the box nearly leveled the game, but Morales cleared the ball off the line. Brayan Gil also created problems in the air, yet the Guatemalan defense held firm.

Tena introduced fresh legs—Pedro Altán, Rubio Rubín, and José Rosales—to maintain control late in the game. Though El Salvador sent long balls into the area in desperation, the visitors stayed composed and closed out the win.

Guatemala leaves San Salvador with more than just three points—it leaves with momentum.