Guatemala vs Suriname: Full Match Preview and Prediction

Suriname travels to Guatemala on Wednesday for their final 2026 World Cup qualifier, with a victory at the Estadio El Trebol securing their first-ever appearance at the tournament. The visitors currently top Group A and are hoping to complete their campaign undefeated, while the hosts aim to finish on a high note after a challenging run.

For Suriname, the stakes are immense. Unbeaten in the third round with two wins and three draws, the team sits on nine points and is on the verge of making history. Their penultimate match was a resounding 4-0 victory over El Salvador, featuring goals from Tjaronn Chery, Dhoraso Klas, and a quick-fire double from Richonell Margaret. That impressive result propelled them past Panama to the top of the group, and with the best attack and defense in the pool, they will look to carry that momentum into football’s biggest tournament.

Guatemala, whose World Cup dreams are already over, will be playing for pride. Having never qualified for the finals, Luis Fernando Tena’s side has found the third round difficult, managing just one win, two draws, and two losses to place them third in the group with five points. In their last outing, they showed resilience by coming back from two goals down to level the score at 2-2 against Panama, though they ultimately succumbed to a defeat. A positive result against Suriname would ensure they do not finish at the bottom of the group.

Regarding team selection, Guatemala manager Luis Fernando Tena may make adjustments following the 3-2 loss to Panama. Rudy Munoz is a strong candidate to start in midfield after scoring twice as a substitute in that match. Despite the defeat, Guatemala dominated possession and had significantly more shots, suggesting they may retain their formation. Columbus Crew’s Nicholas Hagen is expected to continue in goal.

Suriname may opt to field the same starting XI that so convincingly defeated El Salvador. Dhoraso Klas could earn a starting spot after scoring from the bench, but the lineup is likely to remain stable. Captain Shaquille Pinas is set to lead the defense alongside Myenty Abena and Radinio Balker.

Guatemala possible starting lineup:
Hagen; Pinto, Franco, Ardon; Herrera, Robles, Rosales, Morales; Santis, Rubin, Lopez

Suriname possible starting lineup:
Vaeseen; Abena, Pinas, Balker, Anderson, Boetius, Paal, Klas; Becker, Margret, Chery

Riding the momentum of a 4-0 win and with historic qualification on the line, Suriname are clear favorites against a Guatemala side with little to play for. The visitors are expected to secure a comfortable victory to top the group and book their place at the World Cup.

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