The Clausura 2026 tournament of the Guatemalan National League reached its final phase of the regular stage after the dispute of 22 days, in which the eight teams classified for the final phase of national football were defined. Now, these clubs will fight for the National League trophy, in a definition that promises emotions from start to finish.
It was an even tournament, in which both the winner of the regular phase and the teams that were relegated were determined on the last day. This parity maintained expectations until the end and reflected the competitive level of the championship, where each point was decisive.
The winner of the regular phase was Xelajú MC, who achieved the lead in dramatic fashion after scoring the winning goal in the last moments of the match against Cobán Imperial. That goal allowed the superchidos to stay in first place in the table.
With the eight teams classified, the pairings for the quarterfinals were defined, which will be played under the traditional format: first against eighth, second against seventh, third against sixth and fourth against fifth. These keys present attractive duels with a reserved prognosis.
He Tournament leader, Xelajú MC, will face Marquense, who entered as the last classified and ensured their permanence in the category. This confrontation will have a special seasoning, since it is the so-called “accident classic” between lions and super goats. It will be an intense series, with Xelajú closing at home at the Mario Camposeco stadium, thanks to its better position in the table.
Another of the keys will be starring Municipal, second place in the regular phase, directed by Mario Acevedo. The reds were close to taking the overall lead and will now face Guastatoya, a team that ensured their permanence on the last day after beating Marquense. The series will begin at the David Cordón Hichos stadium and will end in the capital, where Municipal will seek to impose its hierarchy as one of the candidates for the title.
The third pairing corresponds to Deportivo Mixco, which finished in third position, and Cobán Imperial. It is emerging as one of the most even series, since both teams showed consistency during the tournament. The first leg will be played at the José Ángel Rossi stadium and the classification will be defined at the Santo Domingo de Guzmán stadium, home of the Chicharronero team.
The most attractive series of these quarterfinals will be the one that faces the current monarch and two-time national soccer champion, Antigua GFC, against Comunicaciones. The green belly team started the tournament irregularly, but as the days went by the team led by Mauricio Tapia managed to qualify and is now seeking the three-time championship.
Opposite will be Communications, which ensured permanence and aspires to win its 33rd title in its history. The series will begin at the Pensativo stadium and will conclude at the Cementos Progrso stadium, with Comunicaciones as the home venue at the end.
The four quarterfinal series promise a high level, with eight teams arriving with aspirations of advancing to the next phase. The excitement of Clausura 2026 continues and the fight for the title enters its decisive stage.