Who Won Guatemala or Canada in the 2025: The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup quarterfinal match between Guatemala and Canada, held on June 29, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was a thrilling encounter that captivated soccer fans across North America. This highly anticipated clash ended with Guatemala pulling off a stunning upset, defeating Canada 2-1 via penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw in regular time, securing their place in the semifinals. This victory marked one of the most significant results for Guatemala in the 21st century, while Canada faced yet another disappointing exit in the Gold Cup. Let’s dive into the details of this historic match, exploring the key moments, standout performances, and what it means for both teams moving forward.
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The Road to the Quarterfinals
Canada entered the 2025 Gold Cup with high hopes, ascites, aiming to secure their second title in the competition’s history. Under the guidance of head coach Jesse Marsch, the Canadian men’s national team, ranked 30th globally, topped Group B with an impressive 2-1-0 record. They started with a commanding 6-0 win over Honduras, followed by a 1-1 draw against Curaçao, and a 2-0 victory against El Salvador. Key players like Tajon Buchanan and Jonathan David, each with two goals in the tournament, led a potent attack, with David becoming Canada’s all-time leading Gold Cup scorer with seven goals in seven appearances.
Guatemala, ranked 106th, qualified as the Group C runner-up with a 2-0-1 record. Coached by Luis Fernando Tena, a three-time CONCACAF Champions Cup winner, the team, known as Los Chapines, made waves with a 1-0 win over Jamaica and a 3-2 victory against Guadeloupe, despite a 1-0 loss to Panama. Players like Columbus Crew goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen and CF Montréal’s Olger Escobar were pivotal in their campaign, with Escobar scoring a crucial goal against Guadeloupe.
The Match: A Tense Battle
The quarterfinal match was a tightly contested affair, reflecting the historical competitiveness between the two nations. Canada held a 10-2-2 record against Guatemala, but their most recent encounter in 2023 ended in a 0-0 draw. This time, the game was anything but goalless. Both teams showcased their attacking and defensive capabilities, with Canada’s high-pressure style meeting Guatemala’s resilient defensive trap.
The score remained level until early in the second half when Canada’s captain, Jonathan David, struck a clinical goal, putting Canada ahead. However, Guatemala responded with determination, equalizing later in the match through a well-executed set piece, with Jose Morales heading in a precise cross. The game ended 1-1 after regular time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout.
The Decisive Penalty Shootout
The penalty shootout was a nerve-wracking spectacle. Both teams converted their initial attempts, but Guatemala’s goalkeeper, Nicholas Hagen, made a crucial save in the sixth round, putting pressure on Canada. In the seventh round, Jose Morales stepped up and buried the decisive penalty, clinching a 6-5 victory for Guatemala. The stadium erupted as Guatemala celebrated their advancement to the semifinals, a feat they last achieved in 1996.
Standout Performances
Jose Morales emerged as the hero for Guatemala, not only scoring the equalizer but also delivering the winning penalty. Nicholas Hagen’s goalkeeping prowess was instrumental, with several key saves during the match and the shootout. For Canada, Jonathan David’s goal-scoring form continued, but the team’s inability to capitalize on chances in the second half proved costly. Tajon Buchanan, despite his tournament-leading three goals, couldn’t find the net in this match.
Implications for Both Teams
For Guatemala, this victory is a landmark achievement. Advancing to the semifinals for only the second time in their Gold Cup history, they face either the United States or Costa Rica on July 2, 2025, at St. Louis CITY SC’s Energizer Park. The win boosts their confidence and showcases their growing prowess under Tena’s leadership. Players like Aaron Herrera and Olger Escobar, who play in Major League Soccer, have proven their worth on the international stage, signaling a bright future for Guatemalan soccer.
For Canada, the loss is a significant setback. With expectations high ahead of co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the defeat highlights ongoing challenges in major tournaments like the Gold Cup and CONCACAF Nations League. Despite their strong group stage performance and talented roster, Canada’s inability to close out crucial knockout matches raises questions about their readiness for the global stage.
What’s Next?
Guatemala now prepares for a tough semifinal matchup, aiming to reach their first-ever Gold Cup final. Canada, meanwhile, must regroup and focus on upcoming World Cup qualifiers and friendlies to build momentum for 2026. The loss underscores the need for tactical adjustments and greater composure in high-stakes moments.
This match will be remembered as a defining moment for Guatemala and a wake-up call for Canada. As Los Chapines celebrate their historic triumph, the soccer world eagerly awaits their next challenge in the 2025 Gold Cup.
FAQs
1. What was the final score of the Guatemala vs. Canada match in the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup?
The match ended in a 1-1 draw after regular time, with Guatemala winning 6-5 in the penalty shootout.
2. Who scored the goals in the Guatemala vs. Canada quarterfinal match?
Jonathan David scored for Canada, while Jose Morales scored the equalizer for Guatemala.
3. Who was the hero of the penalty shootout?
Jose Morales scored the decisive penalty in the seventh round, and goalkeeper Nicholas Hagen made a crucial save to secure Guatemala’s victory.
4. How did Guatemala perform in the group stage of the 2025 Gold Cup?
Guatemala finished second in Group C with a 2-0-1 record, defeating Jamaica 1-0, losing to Panama 1-0, and winning against Guadeloupe 3-2.
5. What is the historical record between Canada and Guatemala in soccer?
Canada holds a 10-2-2 record against Guatemala, with their most recent prior match in 2023 ending in a 0-0 draw.