Óscar Santis' hat-trick lifts Guatemala past Dominican Republic in 2026 World Cup qualifier
Guatemala triumphed over the Dominican Republic with a 4-2 victory in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, maintaining their perfect record in Group E. Óscar Santis's hat-trick propelled Guatemala to the win after an initial setback. This victory secures Guatemala's advancement to the third round of CONCACAF qualifiers and a spot in the 2025 Gold Cup.
Guatemala's Oscar Santis, left, celebrates scoring his side's first goal against Dominican Republic during a qualifying soccer match for the World Cup 2026 in Guatemala City, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)
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The Guatemala national football team secured a 4-2 victory against the Dominican Republic in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City. This win maintains Guatemala's perfect record in Group E and brings them closer to their first-ever World Cup appearance.The match experienced a 30-minute delay due to heavy rainfall and a minor traffic incident involving the Dominican Republic team's transport. Despite these setbacks, the game proceeded without further complications.Under coach Luis Fernando Tena, Guatemala took an early lead in the 6th minute when José Morales delivered a precise cross to Óscar Santis, who scored with an acrobatic finish. However, the Dominican Republic responded swiftly.In the 16th minute, Dorny Romero capitalized on a goalkeeping error to equalize. Heinz Mörschel then put the visitors ahead in the 36th minute, exploiting another defensive lapse. An injury to José Rosales in the 26th minute forced Guatemala to adjust their lineup.Guatemala regrouped after halftime. In the 53rd minute, Nicolás Samayoa headed in a corner to level the score. Santis then added two more goals in quick succession, completing his hat-trick and securing the win for Guatemala. His second goal came in the 59th minute, followed by a powerful shot from outside the box in the 62nd minute.With this victory, Guatemala leads Group E with nine points and a goal difference of +11. They await the outcome of the match between Jamaica and the British Virgin Islands to determine their final standing in the group. Regardless, Guatemala has secured advancement to the third round of CONCACAF qualifiers , where 12 teams will compete for spots in the 2026 World Cup.Additionally, Guatemala is set to participate in the 2025 Gold Cup, facing Panama, Jamaica, and Guadeloupe in Group C.
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