The National Team of Guatemala is ready for a new challenge in the Gold Cup, in the midst of a process that has allowed the team to be kept in the elite of the region and dream of a historic classification to the 2026 World Cup. For José Pinto, captain of the team, what is currently lived is the result of the work sustained in recent years and the key will be to continue on that path.
“We come from a League B, we achieved the promotion to League A and we have stayed. That allows us to be facing selections such as Jamaica and Panama in the final phase. It is part of the growth we have had and now we want to give a coup of authority,” said Pinto, who will be one of the team’s leaders when he debuts this Monday, June 16 against Jamaica.
On the raffle of the World Cup tie, Pinto acknowledged that all groups were going to be difficult, but reaffirmed the group’s commitment to assume each challenge seriously. “We knew that it was going to be complex, but we are prepared. The World Cup classification is everyone’s dream and we will fight it with everything,” he said firmly.
Before thinking about Panama and the qualifiers, Pinto focuses on the Gold Cup, where he hopes to improve what is done in the previous edition. “We have the commitment to overcome what we did. This group has been growing and facing these rivals makes us better. The important thing is to go step by step and take advantage of every moment.”
As Captain, Pinto assumes responsibly the role of motivating the group in this double challenge. “We are all great, we all have a commitment to the country. We have to respect all the rivals, but also believe in ours. Here there are not small or large, we are all selected and we must prove it within the field.”
The defender was also clear in pointing out that Guatemala is already up to compete with Concacaf powers. “Before we played with very minor selections. Today we are facing strong teams because we have earned it. That reflects that Guatemalan football has grown up, but we must continue demonstrating.”
Pinto does not forget the recent history against Jamaica, and sees this Monday’s duel as an opportunity to change the narrative. “They have won the last two games. It is a pretty rematch, in an important tournament, where we want to make history. It is time to give that coup of authority and demonstrate that we are for great things.”
As for football, the captain indicated that the coaching staff maintains a clear idea of the game. “We have been working with this philosophy for more than three years. There are new colleagues who are coupling, but we all know what Professor Tena asks. That clarity has led us to this moment.”
José Pinto concluded highlighting the importance of not deviating from the way and assessing the present. “Today we enjoy being in the final phase, but we are also focused. Every game, each tournament, is a test. Face Jamaica in Copa Oro is the first step and we want to take it strongly. The country deserves it.”