Sports

Guatemala and Jamaica Secure Quarterfinal Spots in Nations League

By Omar Vega

The Group A stage of the 2026/2027 CONCACAF Nations League ended on Monday with Guatemala and Jamaica advancing to the quarterfinals. The quarterfinal matchups are now set: Panama vs. Curaçao, Canada vs. Guatemala, United States vs. Haiti, and Mexico vs. Jamaica.

In Group B, El Salvador and Martinique drew 1‑1 at Stade Municipal Pierre‑Aliker in Fort‑de‑France. El Salvador opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a goal from Jefferson Valladares. Martinique equalised in the 56th minute through Janis Antiste, who struck from the centre of the box after a back‑heel assist from Brighton Labeau. Both teams will contest the League A+C Play‑In, finishing fifth and sixth in the group.

Guatemala defeated Suriname 1‑0 at Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera in Guatemala City. The only goal came in the 90+6th minute from Matthew Evans, a long‑range strike that secured Guatemala’s first place in Group B and a quarterfinal berth. Suriname finished third and will enter the Gold Cup preliminaries.

Honduras and Jamaica finished their Group B match with a 1‑1 draw at Estadio Nacional Chelato Uclés in Tegucigalpa. Tyreece Campbell gave Jamaica the lead in the 27th minute with a shot from outside the box that bounced off the right post. Luis Palma equalised for Honduras in the 51st minute with a long‑range goal. Jamaica finished second in the group and qualified for the quarterfinals, while Honduras, in fourth place, will also play in the Gold Cup preliminaries.