Guatemala Faces Crucial World Cup Qualifier Against Dominican Republic


Guatemala's national team is entering a pivotal week in its quest for a first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. On Friday, June 6, they will host the Dominican Republic at Estadio Cementos Progreso at 8:00 PM local time. Four days later, on Tuesday, June 10, they will travel to Kingston to face Jamaica, concluding the second round of the Concacaf qualifiers.
Under Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena since March 2022, Guatemala has shown strong form, leading Group D with two wins, nine goals scored, and none conceded. However, a loss to the Dominican Republic would complicate their path, making the match against Jamaica crucial for their hopes of advancing to the final qualifying round.
Guatemala is among nine nations aiming for their first World Cup appearance, alongside countries like Jordan, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams and the automatic qualification of Canada, Mexico, and the United States present a unique opportunity for the Central American side.
The closest Guatemala has come to qualifying was during the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, reaching the final hexagonal round but missing out after Trinidad and Tobago's victory over Mexico in the last matchday.
The upcoming match against the Dominican Republic has generated significant excitement, with tickets sold out and fans hopeful of witnessing their team's historic journey to the world's biggest football stage.














