United States defeats Guatemala, advances to U-20 Championship Semifinals

The United States advance to the Semifinals and qualify for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Puebla, Mexico - The 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship continued with the United States earning a 3-1 win over Guatemala in the Quarterfinals on Tuesday at Estadio Universitario BUAP in Puebla, Mexico.

Guatemala opened the scoring in the 36’ when Marvin Ávila’s high cross ricocheted off the crossbar and Oscar de León was there to convert the rebound. It marked the first goal the U.S. conceded in this year’s edition of the competition.

The United States notched an equalizer in the 45+5’ after a corner kick was deflected in the box and Brandon Dayes arrived to finish the chance.

In the 68’ the U.S. jumped into the lead when Dino Klapija struck a powerful shot into the back of the net from the middle of the box.

They then sealed the victory in the 75’ as Ruben Ramos sent through a precise pass and Josh Torquato finished with a strong left-footed shot.

With the result, the U.S, advances to the Semifinals where it will face Costa Rica. The team also secured a place in the 2027 FIFA Men’s U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.