Hernández lifts Costa Rica past Guatemala in U-20 Championship opener 

PUEBLA, Mexico – The 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship kicked off with Costa Rica earning a 1-nil victory against Guatemala in Group B on Friday at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico.

Costa Rica opened the match generating two chances early on. An effort inside the box from David Garro in the 2’, and a long-range hit from Yerlan Sosa in the 14’, were met by saves from Guatemala goalkeeper Álvaro Medrano.

Kaden Farrier nearly handed Los Ticos the lead in the 20’ with a grounded ball from the left end of the box that rolled across the face of goal, but none of his teammates were able to connect for the finishing touch.

Guatemala was left a player down when Emir Ponciano was shown a red card in the 33’.

Garro had a good look for Costa Rica in the 40’, but his finish from close range was just wide left.

Guatemala’s best chance came in the 54’ through Omar Bolaños. Bolaños capitalized on a defensive mistake from Costa Rica, but his attempt was ultimately denied by a key defensive block from defender Emmanuel Brenes.

Keyner Hernández broke the deadlock to give Costa Rica the lead in the 77’, with a long-range strike from the second-half-substitute slotting in at the bottom-left corner.

Costa Rica will face hosts Mexico in its next Group Stage match on Monday. Guatemala meets Antigua and Barbuda to continue its U-20 Championship campaign on the same day.