Guatemala vs Panama: Prediction, Team News, and Lineups Preview

In an important World Cup qualifying match, Guatemala will face Panama at Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera in Guatemala City. This match is part of the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

Match Preview: Guatemala vs Panama

Guatemala currently sits third in Group A with a significant opportunity to qualify for the World Cup for the first time. They have won three out of four matches in the previous qualifying stage, finishing second in their group and trailing Jamaica by three points. However, their performance in the current qualification round has been challenging, with only one win from four matches, placing them five points behind the leaders, Panama.

In earlier matchdays, Guatemala managed to secure just two points in their first three games before finally registering a 1-0 victory against El Salvador. A defeat against Panama could eliminate their qualification hopes if Suriname wins against El Salvador in the group’s other match.

Guatemala’s Historical Context

For Guatemala, winning against Panama is crucial as they look to end a long winless streak against them in World Cup qualifiers. Their last victory over Panama dates back to August 2005, when they won 2-1.

Panama’s Qualification Journey

Panama is determined to participate in their second World Cup, having made their debut in 2018. They began their current qualifying campaign strongly, topping their group in the previous stage with maximum points from four matches.

Currently, they are in second place in the ongoing qualification round. Despite having an unbeaten record, three of their four matches have ended in draws. Panama kicked off the October international window with a 1-0 victory against El Salvador and managed a last-minute equalizer to draw 1-1 against Suriname.

Panama’s Recent Performance

With a strong head-to-head record against Guatemala, Panama has claimed victory in 11 of their last 13 encounters. A win in this match could solidify their position in the top two, especially if El Salvador fails to beat Suriname.

Team News and Expected Lineups

For Guatemala, Columbus Crew’s Nicholas Hagen is set to start in goal. He will be supported by defenders Aaron Herrera, Jose Pinto, Nicolas Samayoa, and Jose Ardon. Upfront, Rubio Rubin could lead the attack, competing for the starting position with Darwin Lom.

Panama will likely field Al-Fayha’s Orlando Mosquera as their goalkeeper, backed by a defensive lineup of Amir Murillo, Jiovany Ramos, Fidel Escobar, Andres Andrade, and Eric Davis. Forward Jose Fajardo, who has 16 international goals, will spearhead their attack.

Probable Lineups

• Guatemala: Hagen; Herrera, Samayoa, Pinto, Ardon; Robles, Franco; Santis, Munoz, Lopez; Rubin
• Panama: Mosquera; Murillo, Ramos, Escobar, Andrade, Davis; Puma, Martinez, Carrasquilla, Barcenas; Fajardo

Match Prediction

Considering both teams’ form and Panama’s historical advantage, a draw seems plausible. The predicted score is Guatemala 1 – 1 Panama.