On the opening day of the CONCACAF Nations League Group A in November 2024, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Suriname all walked away with three points — and the top of the group. Costa Rica led on goal difference after a narrow win over Guadeloupe, while Guatemala and Suriname delivered emphatic home performances that sent shockwaves through the region. For Suriname, it wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. And for Guyana? It was history.
A Debut to Remember in Guyana
The National Track and Field Centre in Leonora, Guyana was packed, electric, and utterly unprepared for what came next. Guyana, making its League A debut after three straight seasons in League B, faced off against a Surinamese side riding a three-match unbeaten streak. The Golden Jaguars weren’t intimidated. Omari Glasgow, Guyana’s all-time top scorer in the competition, equalized in the 41st minute with a calm penalty — his 11th CNL goal, extending his lead as the nation’s most prolific scorer. But Suriname, clinical and composed, struck back. Djevencio van der Kust opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a precise finish off a Virgil Misidjan assist. Jaden Montor made it 2-1 in the 66th minute with a thunderous right-sided strike, and Misidjan sealed it in the 83rd with a tidy close-range finish. The final whistle: Suriname 3-1 Guyana. For Guyana, it was a moral victory. For Suriname, it was a sign they were ready to compete at the highest level.Guatemala’s Home Fortress Stands Tall
At the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City, the atmosphere was even more intense. Guatemala, unbeaten in eight straight home CNL matches, took on Martinique in their first-ever competitive meeting. The hosts didn’t waste time. Rubio Rubin, their sharp-tongued forward, pounced on a cross from Óscar Santis just three minutes in — a goal that set the tone. Martinique’s goalkeeper Yannis Clementia kept them alive with a string of saves, denying Rubin and Alejandro Galindo in the 10th and 22nd minutes. But Guatemala’s pressure was relentless. The final score: Guatemala 3-1 Martinique. The win extended their home dominance and sent a message: don’t underestimate the Central American side.Costa Rica’s Quiet Dominance
Costa Rica’s 3-1 win over Guadeloupe didn’t come with flashy stats in the official report, but the result mattered. The Ticos have long been the region’s most consistent performers, and this victory reaffirmed their status. They’ve beaten Suriname three times in their last four meetings since 2008, scoring 14 goals in total — an average of 3.5 per game. Suriname, by contrast, managed just three goals in those matches. That historical imbalance loomed large as both teams prepared for their next clash in World Cup qualifying.
The Twist: Suriname’s World Cup Lifeline
Here’s the thing — the Nations League results were just the beginning. Less than a year later, on November 18, 2025, the same two teams met again — this time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying - CONCACAF Third Round. Guatemala won 3-1, with Darwin Lom, Olger Escobar, and Óscar Santis scoring. But the real drama came in stoppage time. Suriname’s Sheraldo Becker sent in a cross. Guatemala’s Nicolás Samayoa, under pressure, turned it into his own net. The goal, in the 93rd minute, didn’t just cost Guatemala the match — it handed Suriname second place in Group A. And because of that, Suriname qualified as one of the best second-place teams, punching their ticket to the FIFA Play-off Tournament — just ahead of Honduras.It’s ironic. Suriname’s Nations League win over Guyana in November 2024 felt like a breakthrough. But their World Cup survival, sealed by a last-minute own goal in Guatemala City, felt like fate. The same team that struggled to score in past qualifiers suddenly found a way to survive — not through brilliance, but through sheer, brutal luck.
What This Means for the Region
This isn’t just about three wins. It’s about shifting power dynamics. Suriname, long seen as an underdog, is no longer content to be a footnote. Their 2025 Gold Cup loss to Costa Rica (4-3) was heartbreaking — Alonso Martínez and Manfred Ugalde scored twice for the Ticos — but their resilience in the qualifiers proved they’re building something. Guatemala, meanwhile, is emerging as a dark horse. Their 2-2-2 record in the World Cup qualifiers, and their home dominance, suggest they’re no longer just a team that plays well in front of their crowd. They’re becoming a regional force.Costa Rica? They’re still the benchmark. Even without flashy stats, they’re winning. They’ve reached the Gold Cup final three times since 2019. They’re the team everyone else is chasing.
What’s Next?
The next round of Nations League fixtures will test whether these early wins were flukes or foundations. Suriname heads into the FIFA Play-off Tournament with confidence — and a bizarre, unforgettable story. Guatemala will look to carry their home form into the 2025 Gold Cup. Costa Rica, as always, will be waiting in the shadows, ready to pounce.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Suriname qualify for the FIFA Play-off Tournament despite losing to Guatemala in the World Cup qualifiers?
Suriname finished second in their World Cup qualifying group with a 2-3-1 record and nine points. Their 3-1 loss to Guatemala on November 18, 2025, was offset by a 93rd-minute own goal from Guatemala’s Nicolás Samayoa, which gave Suriname a crucial point in the tiebreaker. That point, combined with better goal difference than Honduras, pushed Suriname ahead in the second-place rankings, securing their play-off spot.
Why is Guyana’s League A debut significant?
Guyana had spent three straight seasons in League B, often struggling against stronger opponents. Their promotion to League A in 2024 marked their highest-ever placement in CONCACAF’s national team structure. Though they lost 3-1 to Suriname, Omari Glasgow’s 11th CNL goal cemented his legacy as their all-time top scorer. The match was a milestone — not just for results, but for visibility and development of Caribbean football.
What’s the historical record between Costa Rica and Suriname?
Since 2008, the two teams have met four times in official competitions. Costa Rica won three matches, scoring 14 goals (averaging 3.5 per game), while Suriname managed just three goals total and never won. Their most recent meeting was in the 2025 Gold Cup, where Costa Rica won 4-3 in a dramatic match featuring two penalty goals by Manfred Ugalde. This dominance makes Suriname’s recent rise even more impressive — they’re closing the gap.
Who are the key players to watch from these teams?
For Suriname, Virgil Misidjan and Djevencio van der Kust are emerging as a lethal attacking duo, while Jaden Montor’s power in the box is a growing threat. Guatemala’s Rubio Rubin and Óscar Santis have formed a deadly partnership, with Santis now scoring crucial goals in both Nations League and World Cup qualifiers. For Costa Rica, Manfred Ugalde’s penalty composure and Alonso Martínez’s movement make them a constant danger. All three teams now have players who can compete with the region’s elite.
What impact does this have on the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup?
The Nations League results directly influenced seeding and confidence heading into the Gold Cup. Suriname’s confidence soared after their 3-1 win over Guyana and their World Cup play-off qualification. Guatemala’s home dominance made them a tougher draw. Costa Rica, already a Gold Cup regular, used these wins to solidify their squad cohesion. All three teams entered the 2025 Gold Cup with momentum — and the belief they could go further than ever before.