The head coach of Guatemala, Mexican Luis Fernando Tena, stated on Wednesday that his team is facing 'the best team in Concacaf', but warned that the Azul y Blanco can only accept a victory in Thursday's game against Panama, as 'a draw is of no use to us'. On the eve of a match that will largely determine the future of both teams for the 2026 World Cup, Tena spared no praise for the rival, but was aware of the Guatemalan urgency. Guatemala is third in Group A with five points, while Panama is co-leader with Suriname, both with six points. 'For what it means to qualify for a World Cup for all of us, and of course, for the millions of Chapines who are so excited,' the strategist emphasized. The match between Guatemala and Panama will be played at 'El Trébol' (in the south of the Guatemalan capital), as it is better known, on Thursday at 20:00 local time (02:00 GMT Friday). 'Yes, I have been coaching for many years and have played many finals, but this match is very special. 'We also know that Panama is practically obligated to win.' Tena assumed full responsibility for the decision. 'It's my decision that I made last time and I take responsibility,' declared the coach, who admitted that it hurt him a lot to leave him out. Mexican Luis Fernando Tena, head coach of Guatemala. EFE/Fernando Ruiz The strategist based his statement on the 'great tactical work' that the Panamanians 'handle very well' and which, in his opinion, they have demonstrated since the 2023 Gold Cup. Tena highlighted the 'quality of their players' and their 'very marked offensive vocation', ensuring that his coaching staff has worked focused on countering the 'many tactical variants' that Thomas Christiansen's team has. Despite respect for the rival, Tena was firm about his team's needs. 'Then I think it's going to be a more open game,' he added. The Mexican coach said he was 'certain of who is going to play', although he confirmed he has 'trained some variants'. A defeat at the Manuel Felipe Carrera stadium would leave the locals with practically no options to reach the only direct ticket to the World Cup. During the press conference, the Aztec coach highlighted the strength of the Canalero team, which he considers the most formed in the region. 'We know very well that a draw is no use to us, so we also have to take that into account,' he stressed. This urgency, which he considers shared, could benefit the show. EFE/Fernando Ruiz Aware of the excitement of millions of Guatemalans to see their team in a World Cup for the first time, Tena confessed to experiencing the pre-match 'with the emotion, with the uncertainty that these matches bring'. The coach, with decades of experience in football, assured that this match is not comparable to others. One of the most sensitive points in the call-up was the absence of attacker Nathaniel Méndez-Laing.
