Guatemala to Gold Cup Semifinals: 29 Years Later, the Bicolor Surprises

Guatemala Advances to Gold Cup Semifinals: A New Era for Guatemalan Football

Guatemalan soccer is experiencing a historic moment. Under the direction of Mexican coach Luis Fernando Tena, the national team, known as “Los Chapines”, has achieved a significant milestone: reaching the semi-finals of the Gold Cup for the first time since 1996. This victory, obtained after an exciting penalty shootout against Canada, has unleashed euphoria among fans and has marked a turning point on the road to the dream of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup.

It’s impossible not to get excited with the support the fans give us. It’s impossible not to get excited when hearing the national anthem and seeing the players’ effort.

Luis Fernando Tena

Tena’s arrival in Guatemala had a clear objective: to take the national team to its first World Cup. Although that goal has not yet been achieved, the team has shown remarkable progress, and this qualification to the semifinals is proof of it. The connection between Tena and the Guatemalan fans is evident, with chants and ovations that demonstrate the affection and trust in the coach. With vast experience in football, including a title with Cruz Azul and the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games with Mexico’s U-23 national team, Tena has known how to build a competitive team. After overcoming a FIFA suspension in 2018, Guatemala has shown resilience and determination. Tena’s work focuses on the development of young talents and the incorporation of new players. The Guatemalan league, with historic teams like Comunicaciones and Municipal, is producing players with the potential to excel internationally. In addition, the national team has had the support of Juan Rodas, a fan who has discovered and helped integrate players born in the United States, thus strengthening the team.

In the match against Canada, three players born in the United States were starters, demonstrating the integration and diverse talent of the team. The combination of players born in Guatemala and abroad has resulted in a solid and united team. Goalkeeper Kenderson Navarro, who had an outstanding performance in the penalty shootout, became the hero of the match. Despite his limited international experience, Navarro proved his worth by stopping a key penalty and securing the victory for Guatemala. Hoping to lift the trophy for the first time, Guatemala will face new challenges in the semifinals. With an experienced coach, a dedicated fan, and an unexpected goalkeeper, the Chapin team has shown that the dream of the World Cup is still alive.