Guatemala to Face El Salvador Without Goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen


Guatemala’s national team will take on El Salvador this Saturday, May 31, in a crucial friendly ahead of World Cup Qualifiers and the 2025 Gold Cup group stage. However, head coach Luis Fernando Tena will be without his first-choice goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen.
Despite initial clearance from Columbus Crew to release Hagen—despite it not being a FIFA window—a late injury to starting goalkeeper Patrick Schulte forced the MLS club to retain the Guatemalan shot-stopper. Columbus will face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in Week 17 of the 2025 MLS season at the same time as the international friendly.
Hagen featured against Charlotte FC last Saturday and is expected to start against Nashville SC midweek, followed by the high-profile clash with Inter Miami. That matchup, featuring Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba, offers a significant showcase for the Guatemalan international.
























