Guatemala and Canada Set for High-Stakes Gold Cup Showdown
Guatemala and Canada will go head-to-head this Sunday, June 29, in a much-anticipated Gold Cup quarterfinal match at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. For Guatemala, this isn’t just another game—it’s a golden opportunity to break through to the semifinals for the first time since 1996.
The match is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. (Guatemala City time) and will be broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, making it accessible for fans eager to witness this historic matchup unfold.
A Historic Opportunity for Guatemala
Led by coach Luis Fernando Tena, the Guatemalan squad is entering this match on the heels of a rollercoaster group stage. They kicked off the tournament with a solid 1-0 win over Jamaica, stumbled with a narrow 1-0 loss to Panama, but bounced back in thrilling fashion with a 3-2 win against Guadeloupe. With six points in total, Guatemala clinched second place in Group C.
Now, they’re chasing history. A semifinal berth has eluded the blue and white since 1996, and this team is eager to change that narrative.
Canada Cruises into Quarterfinals
Canada, on the other hand, arrives with momentum. Topping Group B with seven points, the Maple Leafs showcased their strength with a 6-0 blowout against Honduras, a 1-1 draw with Curaçao, and a confident 2-0 win over El Salvador. The team looks sharp and balanced, both offensively and defensively.
However, this matchup won’t be a walk in the park—especially with Guatemala’s tenacity on full display throughout the tournament.
Key Absence for Guatemala
One concern for Guatemala heading into this critical match is the loss of their starting goalkeeper, Nicholas Hagen. He picked up an injury during the final group stage game, which could significantly impact the team’s defensive stability.
Still, the squad is determined to push forward, rallying around their coach’s strategy and their collective hunger for a deep tournament run.
A Look Back at Recent Meetings
The two teams last met in the 2023 Gold Cup group stage, playing to a goalless draw in a match that showcased just how evenly matched they can be. That encounter was tense, tactical, and tight—setting the stage for another gripping contest this time around.
Guatemala’s last victory over Canada came in 2004 during the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. In that match, Guatemalan legend Carlos Ruiz scored twice to seal a memorable 2-0 win.
What’s at Stake?
For Guatemala, it’s a chance to make history. For Canada, it’s about maintaining momentum and reaching the final stages of a tournament they’ve grown increasingly competitive in over recent years.
No matter the outcome, fans can expect 90 minutes of high-intensity football, national pride, and the kind of drama that defines tournament play.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for all your Gold Cup updates, insights, and match coverage.
