Guatemala ended their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on a high note, defeating Suriname 3-1 in a tense, goal-filled finale at Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera in Guatemala City on November 19, 2025 (01:00 UTC). The win, sealed by goals from Darwin Lom, Olger Escobar, and Óscar Santis—plus an own goal by Suriname’s Nicolás Samayoa—wasn’t just about pride. It denied Suriname a perfect unbeaten record in Group A and ensured Guatemala finished above El Salvador, clinging to third place with eight points. For Suriname, it was a bitter end to a surprisingly strong campaign: they’d held Panama to a draw, drawn with Guatemala earlier, and looked poised to sneak into the intercontinental playoffs as the group’s top runner-up. Now, they’re in—but barely.

Second-Half Surge Decides Group A’s Fate

The first half was a cautious affair. Both teams played with discipline, but neither could break through. Halftime: 0-0. The tension was thick. Around the world, fans watched as Panama led 2-0 in their concurrent match against El Salvador—meaning Suriname needed a win to finish with 12 points and potentially overtake Panama. But that dream evaporated the moment Darwin Lom pounced on a loose ball in the 49th minute, slotting it past Suriname goalkeeper Becker. The crowd erupted. By the 57th minute, Olger Escobar doubled the lead with a crisp low finish from the edge of the box. The stadium, officially listed as Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera (though some sources mistakenly called it Estadio Cementos Progreso), was shaking.

Then came Óscar Santis. The 22-year-old forward, starting his first qualifying match, received a threaded pass from Rudy Muñoz in the 65th minute, danced past two defenders, and slotted it home. The goal was pure instinct—no fancy footwork, just timing and nerve. By then, Panama had sealed their 2-0 win, making Suriname’s 3-1 defeat all the more painful. They’d played with heart, but fate had already turned.

The final twist came in stoppage time. Suriname’s Nicolás Samayoa, trying to clear a cross, accidentally redirected it into his own net. The scoreboard read 3-1. The home fans roared. The visitors slumped. It was a cruel end to a tournament where Suriname had outperformed expectations.

Who Advanced? The Final Group A Standings

When the dust settled, the Group A standings told the real story:

• Panama: 12 points (3W-3D-0L, +5 GD) — automatically qualified for the 2026 World Cup
• Suriname: 9 points (2W-3D-1L, +3 GD) — advances to intercontinental playoffs
• Guatemala: 8 points (2W-2D-2L, +1 GD) — eliminated
• El Salvador: 3 points (1W-0D-5L, -9 GD) — eliminated

Suriname’s nine points were the most by any non-qualifier in CONCACAF’s third round. They held their own against Panama and nearly toppled Guatemala twice. But in the end, one loss—this one—cost them a shot at direct qualification. Guatemala, despite their victory, had no margin for error. Their two wins came against El Salvador and Suriname; they couldn’t beat Panama or even draw with them. The dream of a World Cup spot ended here.

Who Played? Lineups and Broadcast Details

Guatemala’s starting XI featured veteran midfielder Edwin Rosales and young forward Darwin Lom, who had scored in their previous match. Goalkeeper Hagen made two crucial saves, while defender Samayoa—ironically—scored the own goal that sealed the match. Suriname’s Becker was their rock, but even he couldn’t stop the flood after halftime. Substitutions included D. Jubitana coming on at 46’, and J. Grot and J. Lonwijk entering late as Suriname chased the game.

The match was streamed exclusively on Paramount+ in the U.S., with kickoff at 8:00 p.m. ET on November 18, 2025. CBS Sports Golazo America aired extended highlights the next day, while Fubo TV offered a live stream for subscribers at $84.99/month—though regional restrictions and taxes applied. In Guatemala, the game was broadcast on Canal 3 and streamed via the CONCACAF YouTube channel, where commentary praised Rudy Muñoz’s vision: “Such a well-waited ball from Rudy Muñoz. Two touches. Santis through on goal.”

Why This Matters: The Road to 2026

This match was the final chapter in the CONCACAF qualifying path for the 2026 World Cup—the first ever hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Panama’s automatic qualification was a historic milestone: their third World Cup appearance and first since 2018. Suriname’s playoff berth is their first ever in World Cup qualifying history. They’ll face a team from Asia, Africa, or Oceania in a one-off match next March, with a ticket to the tournament on the line.

For Guatemala, the disappointment is real. They’ve come close before—2018 qualifying ended in heartbreak against Honduras. Now, with a core of young players like Santis and Escobar, the future isn’t bleak. But the present stings. They finished third in their group, behind a team they beat, and missed out by a single point.

Suriname, meanwhile, will carry the weight of what could have been. A draw against Guatemala in the first leg, a win over Panama in the final match—those were the scenarios that would’ve changed everything. Instead, they’re left with pride, but no World Cup ticket.

What’s Next?

Suriname’s fate now hinges on the intercontinental playoffs, scheduled for March 2026. They’ll be drawn against a team from another confederation—likely from Asia or Africa. Their opponents will be tougher, but they’ve proven they can compete. Guatemala’s focus shifts to the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where they’ll aim to rebuild. For now, the nation celebrates a hard-fought win—but knows the bigger prize slipped away.