For many football fans in the UK, Central American football has often been overshadowed by the glamour of European leagues. Yet, a quiet revolution is taking place in Guatemala. The country’s national team, often referred to as Guatemala FC, has been making headlines across the Americas and gaining international attention as it rebuilds its footballing identity with new players, fresh management, and a clear ambition—to put Guatemala firmly on the world football map.
A New Era for Guatemalan Football
Guatemala’s football history has been marked by flashes of brilliance and long spells of underachievement. The national team, governed by the Federación Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala (FEDEFUT), has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup, a frustration that has long fuelled the country’s sporting ambitions. However, in recent years, things have started to change.
Under the management of Luis Fernando Tena, the Mexican coach who took charge in 2022, Guatemala has begun to show a more disciplined and strategic style of play. Tena, who previously guided Mexico’s Olympic team to gold at London 2012, has injected tactical intelligence and a winning mentality into the Guatemalan squad.
Tena’s arrival marked a shift from traditional, defence-heavy football towards a more modern, possession-based system. His influence is visible in the team’s improved cohesion and their ability to compete with stronger regional sides such as Costa Rica and Panama.
Performance in the 2025 CONCACAF Scene
Guatemala’s rise has been particularly evident in the 2025 CONCACAF Nations League and the ongoing World Cup qualifying campaign. The team’s consistency has surprised many analysts in the UK and beyond, especially as they have started to challenge the region’s top-tier teams.
In the current Nations League cycle, Guatemala recorded key victories over El Salvador and Honduras, both traditional powerhouses in Central American football. Their defence, once criticised for being leaky, has now become one of their main strengths, conceding fewer than five goals across the last eight competitive matches.
Their latest fixture against Trinidad and Tobago was a turning point. A 2-1 win at home in Guatemala City not only boosted their chances of progressing to the next round but also reignited national pride. The packed Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores was a sight to behold, filled with fans waving blue and white flags, their chants echoing a newfound belief in the national project.
Key Players Powering the Transformation
Every football resurgence needs its heroes, and Guatemala has found several. Among them is Oscar Santis, the young forward who has become a symbol of the team’s new attacking flair. His pace and creativity on the wing have drawn comparisons to rising stars in other leagues, like Santiago Giménez, who has also made waves as a promising talent in Mexican football.
Another standout performer is Nicholas Hagen, the 28-year-old goalkeeper currently playing in Europe. Hagen’s composure and reflex saves have given Guatemala the defensive assurance they long lacked. His performances against stronger opposition have attracted interest from clubs in Belgium and the Netherlands, proving that Guatemalan footballers can thrive abroad.
Midfielder Nathaniel Méndez-Laing, born in England but eligible through Guatemalan descent, has also been instrumental in linking the domestic and international game. The Sheffield Wednesday winger’s inclusion in the national team has not gone unnoticed by British fans, especially since his transition to CONCACAF football mirrors the globalisation of the modern game.
Youth Development and Domestic League Impact
While the national team has been improving, much of its progress can be credited to Guatemala’s domestic football infrastructure. Clubs such as Comunicaciones FC, Municipal, and Guastatoya have invested heavily in youth academies and training facilities, inspired by the successful models seen in Europe.
The domestic Liga Nacional de Guatemala has become more competitive, serving as a breeding ground for young talent. The introduction of more foreign coaches and tactical training has elevated the quality of football, helping bridge the gap between club and international levels.
Interestingly, this approach mirrors development strategies seen elsewhere in emerging football nations, such as Como 1907’s Serie B revival in Italy, where investment in young players has paid off handsomely.
Growing International Recognition
In recent years, Guatemala FC has started to capture international media attention. British broadcasters like BBC Sport have covered their performances during CONCACAF tournaments, while football analysts on Sky Sports have praised their resilience.
Statistics from FIFA reveal that Guatemala has climbed steadily in the world rankings, moving from No. 118 in 2021 to No. 87 by mid-2025. This 31-place rise reflects the steady improvement in results and squad depth.
Moreover, Guatemala’s diaspora has played a crucial role in broadening its global recognition. Several players with Guatemalan heritage now play in US and European clubs, bringing new perspectives and professionalism back to the national setup.
Tactical Evolution Under Luis Fernando Tena
Luis Fernando Tena’s football philosophy combines solid defence with quick transitional play. His system often revolves around a 4-2-3-1 formation that allows dynamic counterattacks while maintaining shape.
One of Tena’s major achievements has been improving the team’s discipline. In previous tournaments, Guatemala often struggled with maintaining structure in the final third. Now, they press in organised phases, keeping compact lines and exploiting spaces when opponents overcommit.
His influence has been compared to that of innovative managers in North America and Europe, showing how tactical knowledge exchange can elevate smaller footballing nations. It’s reminiscent of how FC Cincinnati transformed their game in Major League Soccer through smart management and data-driven strategies.
Challenges Facing Guatemala FC
Despite their promising progress, Guatemala faces several hurdles. The most significant challenge is infrastructure. Many stadiums and training centres are outdated, limiting the country’s ability to host high-profile matches or attract international friendlies.
Funding also remains inconsistent, with the national federation relying heavily on government support and private sponsors. The need for stable investment and transparent governance is vital to sustaining their momentum.
Another issue lies in player exposure. While neighbouring countries like Mexico and Costa Rica have players in Europe’s top leagues, most Guatemalan players remain in Central America or the US lower divisions. Creating pathways to elite leagues is essential for long-term development.
The Road to the 2026 World Cup
The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, presents a golden opportunity. With CONCACAF allocated more qualification spots, Guatemala has a realistic chance to make its first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage.
The expanded format, featuring 48 teams, means smaller nations like Guatemala can capitalise on the momentum they have built. If Tena’s side continues to perform as they have in 2024 and early 2025, a historic qualification could be within reach.
This potential World Cup debut would not only unite a nation but also elevate Guatemala’s footballing status globally, much like how Kaidon Salter’s rise has inspired young American athletes in collegiate sports.
Cultural Impact and Fan Support
Football is deeply woven into Guatemala’s cultural fabric. Match days in Guatemala City are filled with colour, chants, and street celebrations that resemble scenes from South America’s football capitals.
The national team’s recent success has sparked a surge in youth participation. Grassroots football programmes have expanded, with more than 50,000 registered youth players nationwide, according to FEDEFUT’s 2025 report.
Social media has also amplified Guatemala’s football identity. Players and fans actively engage online, building a global community that follows every fixture with pride. The growing presence of Guatemalan supporters in the UK and Europe highlights how football bridges nations and cultures.
What the Future Holds
Looking ahead, Guatemala FC’s journey is far from over. The next few years will define whether this resurgence becomes a lasting transformation or another fleeting moment of hope.
Luis Fernando Tena’s leadership has set a solid foundation, but maintaining consistency against regional giants like Mexico and the United States will test their resolve. Investment in grassroots football, better facilities, and exposure to international competition will determine whether Guatemala can become a mainstay in future CONCACAF tournaments and World Cups.
FAQs
1. Who is the current manager of the Guatemala national football team?
Luis Fernando Tena, a Mexican coach with a rich pedigree, currently manages Guatemala. He’s known for leading Mexico to Olympic gold at London 2012.
2. Has Guatemala ever qualified for the FIFA World Cup?
No, Guatemala has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, but with the 2026 tournament expanding, their chances are stronger than ever.
3. Who are the standout players for Guatemala FC?
Oscar Santis, Nicholas Hagen, and Nathaniel Méndez-Laing are among the most influential players in the current squad.
4. What is Guatemala’s highest FIFA world ranking?
Guatemala’s highest FIFA ranking came in 2006, when they reached 50th globally. As of mid-2025, they are ranked 87th.
5. How does Guatemala’s football compare to other Central American nations?
Guatemala is catching up with Costa Rica and Panama, thanks to improved coaching, youth development, and stronger tactical play.
Final Thoughts
Guatemala FC’s journey is one of resilience, ambition, and gradual transformation. Once considered outsiders in CONCACAF, they now stand as a nation on the rise, inspiring a new generation of footballers and fans alike.
Their story reminds us that football’s beauty lies not just in global superstars or billion-pound clubs but in the collective dreams of nations striving for recognition. Whether they reach the 2026 World Cup or not, Guatemala’s progress symbolises hope—a reminder that with vision, unity, and passion, even the smallest nations can dream big.
For fans following international football developments and rising talents, keeping an eye on Guatemala might be just as exciting as watching Jonquel Jones dominate basketball courts or emerging footballers like Santiago Giménez light up European stages.
