Guatemala faces Suriname in historic World Cup qualifier final, 126th-ranked team pursuing first appearance

Suriname hosts Guatemala in the final CONCACAF World Cup qualifier on Nov. 18, 2025. The 126th-ranked nation is one win away from history. Qualification would be Suriname’s first-ever World Cup appearance. Guatemala is eliminated but seeks to finish strong.

The Final Push for History

Suriname stands on the brink of achieving the unthinkable. Ranked just 126th globally, the tiny South American nation leads its qualifying group. One more win delivers the direct ticket to 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Richonell Margaret scored twice in Suriname’s dominant 4-0 victory last week versus El Salvador. The striker now has 3 qualifying goals this cycle. Tjaronn Chery also scored, becoming the oldest penalty taker ever in qualifying history.

“Ninety minutes separate Suriname from its first ever World Cup qualification.”

Panama sits on 9 points as well but behind on goal difference. A Panama loss or draw combined with a Suriname win secures the group. If both nations win, Suriname needs the higher goal differential to finish first.

Guatemala’s Mission: End on a High Note

Guatemala was mathematically eliminated after a 3-2 home defeat to Panama last week. The loss ended their World Cup dreams after they came so close. Yet Los Chapines remain focused on leaving a strong impression.

The Central American side finished their group with only 5 points from 5 matches. Arquimides Ordóñez and Rudy Muñoz both scored in the Panama loss. Both players want to finish the campaign on the right foot.

Oscar Santis, the star striker, led Guatemala’s qualifying efforts. He scored multiple goals across the campaign. Santis previously stated, “Guatemala will party like crazy if we qualify.” Though eliminated, his team seeks redemption at home.

Stats and Standings Heading into the Match

Here’s where both nations stand entering the final round:

Team	Matches	Wins	Draws	Losses	Points	GD
Suriname	5	3	0	2	9	+5
Panama	5	3	0	2	9	+4
Guatemala	5	1	2	2	5	-1

Suriname’s unbeaten streak now stands at 9 matches in World Cup qualifying. This is the team’s longest streak in qualifying history. Their goal differential is the deciding factor if Panama also wins.

What’s on the Line? Everything

• Suriname: Direct qualification to 2026 World Cup if they win.
• Panama: Must hope for a Suriname loss or draw.
• Guatemala: Honor and pride are all that remain.
• Job security for coaches on both sidelines.
• National pride for tiny Suriname across the region.

The winner of this group advances directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is no playoff or play-in situation—one win equals a spot in the tournament. For Suriname, it equals making history.

Can Guatemala Spoil the Party?

Guatemala plays at home but enters with nothing to lose. Eliminated from qualification, they’ve had 5 matches to prove themselves. Coach Luis Fernando Tena will field a motivated side seeking one final statement.

The Estadio El Trébol in Guatemala City will be packed. Home advantage matters, but Suriname won’t back down. They’ve already drawn once this qualifying cycle. They’ve shown they can perform under pressure.

Will Guatemala use their home field to pull off an upset and deny Suriname history? Or will the underdog achieve the unthinkable on hostile turf? Nov. 18 will provide the answer as one nation’s dreams end and another’s begin.

Watch the Previous Match

The CONCACAF recently released extended highlights from prior qualifiers:

Sources

• CONCACAF – Official World Cup Qualifiers updates
• FIFA.com – Tournament standings and match analysis
• ESPN Soccer – Live coverage and team statistics