Guatemala Faces El Salvador in CONCACAF Nations League Clash

Guatemala will host El Salvador in a heated CONCACAF Nations League match on September 28, 2026, at the Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera in La Ciudad de Guatemala.

Why it matters: This match is part of Matchday 2 in League A, Group 2 of the CONCACAF Nations League. The rivalry between Guatemala and El Salvador adds intensity, with both teams looking to solidify their positions in the group.

• Guatemala entered this match after a disappointing 3-2 loss to Jamaica in their opening game.
• El Salvador, on the other hand, secured a solid 3-1 victory against Martinique, placing them atop the group.
• The outcome of this match could significantly impact the standings in Group 2.

Driving the news: Guatemala's recent performance has been underwhelming, having lost their first match in the Nations League. Oscar Santis scored two goals in the loss to Jamaica, but it wasn't enough to earn points.

• El Salvador's Brayan Gill scored twice against Martinique, leading his team to victory and boosting their goal difference.
• Historically, Guatemala has had a slight edge over El Salvador in the Nations League, winning 2-0 during their last encounter.

State of play: The official lineups for the match feature notable players from both sides. Guatemala's lineup includes goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen and forward Oscar Santis, who is key to their attacking strategy.

• El Salvador's starting lineup features goalkeeper Mario Gonzalez and forward Brayan Gil, who has been in excellent form.
• Both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and address weaknesses exposed in their previous matches.

The big picture: This match is more than just points; it's about pride and regional dominance. The rivalry has seen both teams exchange victories in recent years, making every encounter highly competitive.

• Guatemala and El Salvador played twice in 2025, with each team winning once, highlighting the balance in their rivalry.
• The last time Guatemala hosted El Salvador, El Salvador won 1-0, adding pressure on the home side to reverse that trend.

What they're saying: Analysts and fans alike are eager to see how Guatemala responds to their recent loss. Coach Luis Fernando Tena emphasized the need for his players to remain resilient.

• "We need to learn from our mistakes and come back stronger," Tena stated.
• El Salvador's coach, Hugo Perez, expressed confidence in his team's ability to maintain momentum after their opening win.

By the numbers: Key statistics provide insight into the match's potential dynamics.

• Guatemala has scored 20 goals in 58 appearances by Oscar Santis, making him the most prolific scorer since Carlos Ruiz retired in 2016.
• Brayan Gill has netted four goals in eight games for El Salvador, indicating his rising importance to the national team.

What's next: The match kicks off at 10 P.M. ET / 7 P.M. PT, and it will be broadcast on FOX Sports 2 in the United States and streamed on various platforms.

• Fans can also catch the action on Fubo, ViX, and other regional broadcasters.
• This match could set the tone for the remainder of the CONCACAF Nations League group stage.