GUATEMALA CITY – The Final Round of the Concacaf Qualifiers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued with Panama defeating Guatemala, 3-2, in Group A on Thursday at Estadio El Trébol in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
Cecilio Waterman opened the scoring in the 30’ as Panama pulled ahead with a powerful right-footed hit.
Waterman secured his brace in the 44’ to extend the lead for Los Canaleros, finding the back of the net with a finish from the top of the box.
Arquímides Ordóñez headed a ball from Pedro Altán from close range in the 69’ to shorten the deficit for Guatemala.
Rudy Muñoz equalized for Los Chapines in the 69’, slotting the ball at the bottom right corner, capitalizing on a through ball from Olger Escobar.
José Fajardo struck in the 78’ with a first-time right-footed finish from the center of the box to restore Panama’s lead.
Panama remains in second place in the group with the win, separated from the direct qualification on goal difference. Los Canaleros will host El Salvador on Tuesday.
Guatemala is eliminated from contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with the loss. Los Chapines will host Suriname to conclude its campaign.
