Jamaica 0 Guatemala 1
June 16 – It has been 12 years since Guatemala defeated Jamaica. Just six days prior, they suffered a 3-0 defeat against the Jamaicans in World Cup 2026 qualifying. However, on the opening night of their Gold Cup campaign, they flipped the script.
The victory was celebrated by a 16,000-strong crowd of Guatemalan supporters in Los Angeles, a community that has faced challenges from a government aiming to diminish its Hispanic population. Guatemala thoroughly deserved the win. Jamaica, known for their strength, pace, and power, were bested by a team that showed up ready to fight and gave everything they had. Jamaica’s manager, Steve McClaren, faces a significant challenge in finding a cohesive rhythm for his team based on this performance. On such a crucial evening, the key players, many from English leagues, simply didn’t make an impact, and by the time they started to threaten, it was too late.
In contrast, Guatemala and their LA supporters turned out in impressive numbers, showcasing their love for their team and community. Much like the previous game featuring Mexico at the SoFi Stadium, this match offered an opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the love of their identity and heritage. There were no political statements, just the steady drumbeats of Guate’s dedicated fans connecting with each other and their team.
Guatemala decisively won the battle of the bands. The Reggae Boyz struggled to find any rhythm amidst the intensity of the occasion and the match itself. From the moment the national anthems were played, the Guatemalans erupted with enthusiasm.
Guatemala started strong, and in the third minute, they had a shot easily saved by Andre Blake. Although it was a weak attempt, the Guatemalan fans roared with excitement. The first real chance for Guatemala arrived in the 12th minute when a beautiful passing move saw Oscar Santis set up Kevin Ramriez in front of the goal, but he misfired and sent the ball over the bar.
Guatemala dominated possession, and in the 17th minute, they thought they had scored when Santis struck the ball past Blake, only for the assistant referee to flag an offside. The Guatemalan supporters continued to create a lively atmosphere.
After conceding possession in the early stages, Jamaica began to piece together their own plays. In the 25th minute, a foul on Leon Bailey led to a free kick taken by Demarai Gray, which went over the bar. Renaldo Cephas was causing problems for Guatemala’s right-back Aaron Herrera, but a cross into the box didn’t find its mark with Bailey.
Just after the half-hour mark, the stadium erupted. A long ball from the right found Darin Lom in the box, who backheeled it to Santos, who found the net. This time the goal counted; 1-0 to Guatemala, and the crowd went wild as the band continued to play.
Jamaica tried to fight back. Warner Brown headed over from a corner in the 39th minute, and minutes later, Gray attempted to drive toward goal but dragged his shot wide. Jamaica managed a better midfield shape, yet Gray’s shooting was off.
Coming out from halftime with renewed intention, Jamaica struggled to break through Guatemala’s defense. A handball appeal was denied for Guatemala in the 56th minute. Jamaica fought hard to increase their tempo but couldn’t retain the ball in the face of Guatemala’s intensity both on the pitch and from their fanbase.
On 70 minutes, a header from Rubio Mendes forced a sharp save from Blake, who dove to his right. Four minutes later, substitute Pedro Altan turned in the box but was also denied by Blake, who this time dove to his left. Jamaica threw everything into the box in search of an equalizer, and in added time, Ethan Pinnock’s header agonizingly went over the bar. It was their best chance on a night where they rarely threatened the Guatemalan goal.
The final whistle brought an overwhelming wave of joy and relief for Guatemala. They are off to a great start, while Jamaica, well, it remains uncertain where they go from here.
Grp C W D L F A Pts
Panama 1 0 0 5 2 3
Guatemala 1 0 0 1 0 3
Jamaica 0 0 1 0 1 0
Guadeloupe 0 0 1 2 5 0
