Nov, 20 2025
Suriname and Guatemala played out a tense 1-1 draw on October 13, 2025, in a crucial CONCACAF 2026 World Cup Qualifiers third-round match that kept Suriname atop Group A with nine points from five games. The result, played at a humid pitch in Paramaribo, wasn’t pretty—but it was everything Suriname needed. With the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) overseeing the path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, every point matters. For Suriname, a small nation with just 600,000 people, this isn’t just about pride—it’s a historic shot at global football’s biggest stage.
Suriname’s Quiet Rise in the Qualifiers
Suriname’s position as Group A leader isn’t luck. After a 1-0 win over Puerto Rico on June 6, 2025, and a 1-1 draw with El Salvador in September, they’ve built momentum quietly, without the fanfare of regional giants. Their goal in this campaign: survive the group stage and avoid the play-offs. With five matches played and nine points, they’re two points clear of second place. The team, coached by Dutch-born Wim Slijkhuis, relies on disciplined defending and quick counterattacks—traits honed over years of underdog football. Their lone goal against Guatemala came from striker Yanick van der Zande, who capitalized on a defensive error in the 32nd minute. It was his fourth goal in the qualifiers, making him Suriname’s top scorer.
Guatemala, by contrast, entered the match with higher expectations. They’ve won three of their last five qualifiers, including a 4-2 thrashing of the Dominican Republic in June 2025. But their defense has been shaky—conceding 11 goals in six matches—and their midfield lacked control against Suriname’s compact shape. Their equalizer, a 78th-minute header from Kevin López, was their first goal in over 300 minutes of play. It felt more like relief than triumph.
The Group A Race Heats Up
While Suriname sits comfortably, the rest of Group A is a scramble. Honduras, with nine points from six games, is breathing down their neck. Costa Rica, once a regional powerhouse, is clinging to seventh place with just seven points after four draws in their last five matches. Nicaragua and El Salvador are fighting to avoid last place. The structure is brutal: the top three teams qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The two best runners-up advance to a playoff. That means Suriname doesn’t just need points—they need to win their final two games.
That’s why the draw with Guatemala feels like a missed opportunity. Suriname had chances in the 60th and 85th minutes. A close-range shot from Shemel Hinds hit the post. Goalkeeper Sheldon Gomes made a stunning save on a López free kick in stoppage time. “We should have won,” said Slijkhuis afterward. “But in this group, you take what you can get.”
Broader Implications for Caribbean Football
Suriname’s success isn’t just a fluke—it’s part of a broader shift. For decades, CONCACAF qualifiers were dominated by the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica. Now, teams like Jamaica, Curacao, and Suriname are breaking through. Curacao leads all groups with 12 points after four wins. Jamaica, despite losing 3-0 to Suriname’s rival, is still in contention. Even Bermuda, once a punching bag, earned a point against Trinidad and Tobago. The rise of Caribbean clubs in European leagues—like Suriname-born Teun Wilke playing in the Dutch Eredivisie—has raised the technical level at home.
CONCACAF’s decision to expand the 2026 qualifiers to 35 teams—up from 31 in 2022—has also leveled the playing field. Smaller nations now have more chances to earn points. And with the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, even a second-place finish might be enough. For Suriname, that means their 1-1 draw isn’t a failure—it’s a stepping stone.
What’s Next for Suriname and Guatemala?
Suriname’s next match is against Trinidad and Tobago on November 14, 2025. A win there could put them in the driver’s seat. Guatemala, after their 3-1 loss to Suriname on November 18, 2025, now trails in the group and must beat Panama and Jamaica to stay alive. Their coach, Carlos Ruiz, admitted after the draw: “We’re not where we want to be. But we’re not out yet.”
The final matchday—scheduled for November 20, 2025—will decide everything. Panama, currently second in Group A with eight points, could still overtake Suriname. But if Suriname wins one of their last two, they’re in. And if they win both? They’ll be the first Caribbean nation outside the English-speaking world to qualify for a World Cup since Haiti in 1974.
Historical Context: Suriname’s World Cup Journey
Suriname’s football history is one of near-misses. They qualified for the 1974 CONCACAF Championship but never made a World Cup. Their 1974 team featured players from the Dutch diaspora, much like today’s squad. Back then, they lost 2-0 to Mexico in the final qualifier. Now, 51 years later, they’re closer than ever. The national team has only won 11 international matches since 2000. This campaign has already doubled that total.
The emotional weight isn’t lost on fans. In Paramaribo, children wear Suriname jerseys with the names of players who’ve never played in Europe. The local newspaper, De Ware Tijd, ran a front-page headline: “9 Points. One Dream.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Suriname’s 9 points compare to other CONCACAF teams in the qualifiers?
Suriname’s nine points from five matches puts them ahead of most teams in the third round. Only Curacao (12 points) and Haiti (9 points from four games) have more. But Suriname has played one more match than Haiti, meaning their points-per-game average is slightly lower. Still, in a group where Honduras and Costa Rica are struggling, nine points is a strong position—especially for a nation with limited resources.
What happens if Suriname finishes second in Group A?
If Suriname finishes second, they still have a real shot at qualifying. The two best second-place teams across all three groups advance to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament. With a goal difference of +6 and only three goals conceded, Suriname could easily be among the top two runners-up—even if they don’t win the group. Their defensive record is among the best in the region.
Why is the 2026 World Cup qualifying format different?
The 2026 World Cup expands to 48 teams, up from 32, so CONCACAF’s allocation increased from 3.5 to 6.5 spots. Three group winners qualify directly, and the two best second-place teams move to a playoff. The sixth spot goes to the winner of a final playoff between the remaining second-place teams. This structure gives smaller nations like Suriname more chances than ever before.
Who are the key players to watch in Suriname’s final matches?
Striker Yanick van der Zande (4 goals) and midfielder Shemel Hinds (3 assists) are the offensive engines. Goalkeeper Sheldon Gomes has kept three clean sheets in five matches—unheard of for Suriname in recent years. Defender Jair de Jong, who plays in the Dutch second division, has anchored the backline. Their combined experience in European leagues is giving Suriname a technical edge most Caribbean teams lack.
How has CONCACAF’s structure changed since the 2022 World Cup cycle?
CONCACAF added a third qualifying round in 2024, increasing the number of teams from 31 to 35. The group stage now has three groups of five teams instead of two groups of six. Matches are spread across more windows, reducing travel fatigue. The new format also allows for more competitive balance, letting teams like Suriname and Bermuda compete meaningfully into the final months.
What’s at stake for Guatemala in their remaining matches?
Guatemala must win both of their remaining games—against Jamaica and Panama—to have any chance of advancing. They’re currently sixth in Group A with five points. Even a win over Jamaica (a team they lost to 3-0) might not be enough if Suriname and Honduras win their final games. Their defense, which has conceded 14 goals in six matches, is their biggest weakness. Without a clean sheet, their World Cup dream is over.