Guatemala ended Suriname’s unbeaten streak in dramatic fashion, winning 3-1 on November 19, 2025, at Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera in Guatemala City. The victory, sealed by goals from Darwin Lom, Olger Escobar, and Óscar Santis, wasn’t just about pride—it was the final blow to Suriname’s hopes of topping Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CONCACAF Third RoundGuatemala City. For Suriname, it was a bitter end to a campaign that had looked promising. For Guatemala, it was redemption after a brutal 3-2 loss to Panama just weeks earlier.
How Suriname Lost Their Perfect Record
Suriname entered Matchday 6 with a 2-2-1 record and nine points, still mathematically alive to overtake Panama. They’d drawn three games, beaten El Salvador and Grenada, and looked like the group’s dark horse. But on the pitch, they couldn’t match Guatemala’s urgency. The home side, under manager Luis Fernando Tenna, made four changes from their previous defeat—shifting from defensive caution to attacking intent. The result? A second-half explosion.
At halftime, the scoreboard was deadlocked at 0-0. Fans held their breath. Then, in the 49th minute, Darwin Lom pounced on a loose ball after a corner, slotting it past Suriname’s keeper. The stadium erupted. By the 57th minute, Olger Escobar doubled the lead with a curling strike from the edge of the box. Suriname’s defense, which had held firm for 55 minutes, suddenly looked brittle. Then, at 65’, Óscar Santis finished off a counterattack with a low drive. Three goals in 16 minutes. The momentum had shifted completely.
The Own Goal That Didn’t Change Anything
At 90+3’, Nicolás Samayoa—Guatemala’s own defender—accidentally turned a cross into his net. It was a moment of cruel irony. The goal gave Suriname a consolation, but it didn’t alter the outcome. Not even close. The final whistle blew at 3-1. Suriname’s unbeaten run? Over. Their dream of finishing top of Group A? Dead. And the crowd at Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera knew it.
Final Standings: Panama Wins, Suriname Survives, Guatemala Falls Short
The final Group A standings told the real story:
- Panama: 6 matches, 3 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses — 12 points, +5 goal difference (QUALIFIED)
- Suriname: 6 matches, 2 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss — 9 points, +3 goal difference
- Guatemala: 6 matches, 2 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses — 8 points, +1 goal difference
- El Salvador: 6 matches, 1 win, 0 draws, 5 losses — 3 points, -9 goal difference
Panama, already qualified before kickoff, finished undefeated. Suriname, despite the loss, secured second place—earning a ticket to the intercontinental playoffs. Guatemala, though they played their best match of the campaign, finished third. They were just one point away from qualifying for the playoffs themselves. It’s the kind of result that haunts teams for years.
Betting Markets and Tactical Shifts
The match was a betting bonanza. With an over/under of 2.5 goals, the final 4-1 scoreline meant most over bettors walked away happy. Guatemala, listed at +243 odds to win, delivered a payout of $343 for every $100 wagered—a rare payday for those who believed in the underdogs.
Tenna’s tactical overhaul was the difference. He dropped a defensive midfielder for an extra forward, and it paid off. Suriname’s coach, meanwhile, stuck with the same lineup from their previous draw, failing to respond to Guatemala’s increased tempo. By the 60th minute, Suriname’s attack had gone quiet. Their best chance came from substitute D. Jubitana, who came on at 46’ but couldn’t find space.
What This Means for the Road to 2026
With Group A done, the next chapter begins. Panama advances directly to the 2026 FIFA World CupCanada, Mexico, and United States. Suriname now heads into the intercontinental playoffs, likely facing a team from Asia or Oceania in a two-legged tie next March. One win, and they’re in the World Cup. One loss, and their journey ends.
For Guatemala, it’s a painful but not hopeless end. They showed grit. They showed improvement. But they also showed how close they came—just one point, one goal, one moment away from playoff football. The team’s young core, including 21-year-old Óscar Santis, now has experience. That matters.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Table
This wasn’t just about points. It was about legacy. For Suriname, a small nation with limited resources, making the playoffs is a historic achievement. Their run was the best in their World Cup qualifying history. For Guatemala, it was a chance to prove they could compete with the region’s elite. They didn’t quite get there—but they got closer than ever before.
The match drew over 240,000 views on beIN SPORTS USA’s YouTube channel within hours. Fans in Central America and the Caribbean watched intently. This is the beauty of CONCACAF qualifying: it’s not just about the giants. It’s about the underdogs fighting for a sliver of glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Suriname qualify for the playoffs despite losing?
Suriname finished second in Group A with 9 points and a +3 goal difference, just ahead of Guatemala’s 8 points. Only the top two teams from each group advance: the winner qualifies automatically, and the runner-up enters the intercontinental playoffs. Suriname’s three draws against stronger opponents (Panama, Guatemala, and El Salvador) gave them enough points to edge out Guatemala despite the loss.
Why didn’t Guatemala qualify for the playoffs?
Guatemala needed a win and a Suriname loss to finish second. Even a draw would’ve been enough if Suriname had lost by more than one goal. Instead, Suriname held on for a draw earlier in the group stage and only lost by two goals here. Guatemala’s +1 goal difference wasn’t enough to overcome Suriname’s +3, and they missed out by a single point. It’s one of the closest finishes in CONCACAF qualifying history.
Who are the likely playoff opponents for Suriname?
Suriname will face the fourth-place team from either Asia or Oceania in a two-legged playoff in March 2026. Likely opponents include Qatar (Asia), Australia (Oceania), or Jordan. The draw hasn’t been made yet, but based on FIFA rankings, Suriname is the underdog. They’ll need to replicate their defensive discipline from the group stage to have a chance.
What’s next for Guatemala’s national team?
Guatemala will enter the 2027 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers in early 2026. With a young squad led by players like Óscar Santis and Olger Escobar, the focus shifts to building momentum. Manager Luis Fernando Tenna is expected to stay on, and the federation is already planning a training camp in Spain to prepare for the next cycle. The goal? Avoid missing the playoffs by one point again.
How significant is Suriname’s playoff berth?
It’s historic. Suriname has never reached a World Cup playoff before. Their only previous World Cup appearance was in 1938, and they’ve never won a qualifying match in the modern era until this cycle. Making it to the playoffs after beating Jamaica and drawing with Panama is a monumental achievement for a nation of just 600,000 people. Football is their national passion—and this run has united the country.
Why did the match start on November 18 but end on November 19?
The match kicked off at 19:00 local time (UTC-6) on November 18 in Guatemala City, which was already November 19 at 01:00 UTC. FIFA and global broadcasters use UTC for official records, so while fans in Central America watched it on the 18th, international systems logged it as November 19. This is common in global sports scheduling and doesn’t affect the result.