The Guatemala national soccer team, known as "La Azul y Blanco," has a rich history in Central American soccer. The team is governed by the Federación Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala and is a member of CONCACAF, the football governing body for North and Central America and the Caribbean.

History

Soccer in Guatemala dates back to the early 1900s, but the national team played its first official match in 1921 against Honduras. Throughout the 20th century, the team participated in various regional and international competitions, building its reputation in Central America.

Major Successes

• CONCACAF Championship: Guatemala's most significant achievement came in 1967 when they won the CONCACAF Championship, the predecessor to the Gold Cup, held in Honduras.
• UNCAF Nations Cup: The team has had notable performances in the UNCAF Nations Cup, winning the tournament in 2001 and finishing as runners-up several times.
• Olympic Games: Guatemala qualified for the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City, marking a significant milestone in their football history.

Notable Players

• Carlos Ruiz: Known as "El Pescadito," Ruiz is the all-time leading scorer for Guatemala and is celebrated for his goal-scoring prowess and leadership on the field.
• Juan Carlos Plata: A legendary striker, Plata spent most of his career with CSD Municipal and is known for his contributions to both club and country.
• Marco Pappa: Pappa gained international recognition during his time in Major League Soccer and the Dutch Eredivisie, known for his skillful play and crucial goals.

Notable Coaches

• Ever Hugo Almeida: A Paraguayan coach who led the team to significant successes in the 1990s and early 2000s, including the 2001 UNCAF Nations Cup victory.
• Claudio Loseto: An Argentine coach who managed the team during various cycles, contributing to their development and international competitions.

The Guatemala national team continues to be a competitive force in Central America, with aspirations of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup and further successes in regional tournaments.