All but two of the home teams, led by Guatemala, secured victories in their opening matches of the second round of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.
Guatemala delivered the most decisive result, trouncing Dominica 6-0. Suriname, Nicaragua, and Curaçao also claimed victories, each winning 4-1 against St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Montserrat, and Barbados, respectively, to earn three points and take early leads in their respective groups. Meanwhile, Antigua & Barbuda and Trinidad & Tobago had to settle for draws in their matches.
Guatemala vs. Dominica
At the Doroteo Guamuch Flores Stadium, Guatemala’s Alejandro Gallindo led the assault with a brace in their Group E match against Dominica in Guatemala City. Gallindo opened the scoring in the third minute and struck again in the 49th. Allen Yanes, Rubio Méndez, José Martínez, and José Morales also found the net, completing a 6-0 rout. Guatemala will next face the British Virgin Islands on Saturday in Road Town, while Dominica hosts Jamaica on Sunday in Roseau.
Curaçao vs. Barbados
At the Ergilio Hato Stadium, Rangelo Janga’s hat-trick helped Curaçao punish Barbados in their Group C contest in Willemstad. Janga scored in the 25th, 62nd, and 85th minutes. Niall Reid-Stephen scored a consolation penalty for Barbados in stoppage time before Gervane Kastaneer restored Curaçao’s advantage seconds later. Curaçao will visit Aruba on Saturday in Oranjestad, while Barbados hosts Haiti on Sunday in Bridgetown.
Suriname vs. St. Vincent & the Grenadines
At the Franklin Essed Stadium, North Carolina FC’s Oalex Anderson initially put St. Vincent & the Grenadines ahead in their Group F match in Paramaribo. However, goals from Sheraldo Becker, Jeredy Hilterman, Justin Lonwijk, and Jaden Montnor turned the tide for Suriname, who emerged 4-1 victors. Suriname will travel to face Anguilla on Saturday in The Valley, and St. Vincent will remain in Suriname to host El Salvador on Sunday.
Nicaragua vs. Montserrat
At the National Football Stadium, Nicaragua’s Jaime Moreno scored in the fourth minute, only to see England-based Brandon Barzey equalize for Montserrat six minutes later. Junior Arteaga, Jacob Montes, and Harold Medina then ensured a 4-1 win for Nicaragua. Nicaragua will visit Belize for their next match on Saturday, and Montserrat will remain in Managua to face Panama on Sunday.
Antigua & Barbuda vs. Bermuda
At the ABFA Technical Centre, Raheem Deterville’s 26th-minute goal for Antigua & Barbuda was equalized by Sachiel Ming’s last-minute strike for Bermuda, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Antigua will travel to play the Cayman Islands on Saturday in George Town, while Bermuda hosts Honduras on Sunday.
Trinidad & Tobago vs. Grenada
At the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Grenada’s Myles Hippolyte scored twice in the first half, but Trinidad & Tobago fought back through Ryan Telfer and Reon Moore to secure a 2-2 draw in their Group B match in Port of Spain. Trinidad & Tobago will face The Bahamas in their next match on Saturday in St. Kitts, while Grenada hosts Costa Rica on Sunday.
