Suriname will host Guatemala on October 2, 2026, in a highly anticipated matchup in the CONCACAF Nations League, League A, Group B. This match marks a showdown between the group’s first and second-place teams.
Key facts
- Match date: October 2, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT.
- Location: Dr. Ir. Franklin Essed Stadion, Paramaribo, Suriname.
- Suriname leads Group B with two wins; Guatemala is in second place.
- Guatemala recently won 6-0 against El Salvador, with William Fajardo scoring a hat trick.
Why it matters: This match is not just a battle for points but also a chance for both teams to solidify their standings in the Nations League. The outcome could impact their qualifications for the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
- Suriname currently sits atop Group B with 6 points from two matches.
- Guatemala needs a win to keep pressure on Suriname and maintain their hopes for a top-two finish.
- Each team is looking to build on recent performances, making this match a key indicator of their form.
Driving the news: Suriname comes into this match after a strong start in the Nations League, winning both of their previous games. They defeated Honduras 3-2 and Martinique 2-1, demonstrating their offensive prowess.
- In the match against Honduras, Suriname overcame an early deficit, with Justin Lonwijk scoring the equalizer and an own goal sealing their victory.
- Against Martinique, Lonwijk and Gyrano Kerk were instrumental in securing the win.
State of play: Both teams have shown contrasting forms leading up to this clash. Guatemala recently enjoyed a dominant 6-0 win over El Salvador, with Fajardo netting three goals.
- Guatemala's other recent results include a 3-2 loss to Jamaica, highlighting their inconsistency.
- Suriname's only blemish in recent matches was a 2-1 defeat to Bolivia during World Cup qualification, a setback they are eager to overcome.
The big picture: The Nations League serves as a pathway to the Gold Cup, making every match in this tournament critically important.
- Suriname's head coach Henk Fraser, appointed in July 2026, aims to lead his team through the group stage successfully.
- Guatemala, under coach Luis Fernando Tena, seeks to capitalize on recent momentum to improve their standing.
What they're saying: Coaches from both sides have expressed their anticipation for this match, emphasizing the importance of securing points.
- Fraser stated, "We aim to play for results, whether home or away, and this match is no different."
- Tena remarked, "Our recent win gives us confidence, but we must remain focused on Suriname to achieve our goals."
By the numbers: Analyzing the teams' performances reveals some intriguing statistics.
- Suriname has scored a total of 5 goals in their two Nations League matches, averaging 2.5 goals per game.
- Guatemala has scored 8 goals in their last two matches, including the impressive 6-0 victory against El Salvador.
- Historically, Guatemala holds a slight edge with one win against Suriname in their last five encounters.
What's next: Following this match, both teams will continue their campaigns in the Nations League, with the stakes continually rising.
- Suriname will look to maintain their lead in the group, facing tough competition from other teams like Honduras and Jamaica.
- Guatemala must regroup quickly, as they have upcoming matches that will be equally challenging.
This match will likely be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to assert their dominance in the CONCACAF Nations League. Fans can catch the action live on FOX Sports 2 and streaming platforms like Fubo and ViX.