The air was electric as the Guatemala national team took flight on Thursday, May 29, setting their sights on Chattanooga, Tennessee, where a highly anticipated showdown with El Salvador awaits. It’s not just any match—this friendly is a crucial rehearsal before diving into the turbulent waters of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers.

Guided by the ever-canny Coach Luis Fernando Tena, Guatemala’s squad is largely composed of domestic talent, giving local stars a moment to shine on the international stage. Among the legionnaires, only the formidable Nicolás Samayoa and the promising Arquímides Ordoñez have made the cut for this preparatory clash.

However, the journey wasn’t without a few bumps. Jonathan Franco and Erick Lemus, initially part of the 22-player roster, are sidelined due to injuries. Adding to the shake-up, Columbus Crew’s refusal to release goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen, citing their starting goalkeeper’s ailment, means only 19 Guatemalan players have touched down in Chattanooga.

Read more: Nigeria Clinches Unity Cup After Nail-Biting Penalty Shootout Win Over Jamaica El Salvador mirrored this fervor, crossing the border on the same day, May 29. Coach Hernán Darío “El Bolillo” Gómez initially named a robust 24-man squad. Yet, as the dust settled, only 20 remain standing; Alexander Larin, Leonardo Menjivar, Narciso Orellana, and Rafael Tejada won’t be gracing the pitch this time.

The match, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, promises to set Finley Stadium alight at 6:00 p.m. local time. The friendship on paper belies the fierce competition sure to unfold on the grass.

Beyond the friendly rivalry, this game is the final testing ground before the real battles begin. Guatemala faces the Dominican Republic on June 6 and Jamaica on June 10. Likewise, El Salvador will contend with Anguilla on June 7 and Suriname on June 10. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and the excitement couldn’t be more palpable.

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