CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Review: USA shocked, Mexico flawless

Guatemala stole the show in Friday's CONCACAF World Cup qualifying action as they shocked the United States with a 2-0 win.

Rafael Morales and Carlos Ruiz scored early goals as the home side piled the pressure on USA coach Jurgen Klinsmann, whose side passed up a golden opportunity to move into top spot in Group C.

The hosts had Paulo Motta in goal to thank for the win as he was on hand to deny Clint Dempsey twice, as well as Jozy Altidore late on with a string of superb second-half saves, ensuring a clean sheet and three points for his side.

The win moves the unlikely qualification contenders into second in Group C, just one point off table-toppers Trinidad and Tobago, who squeezed past winless St Vincent and the Grenadines 3-2.

The Caribbean minnows took the lead on the stroke of half-time courtesy of Myron Samuel's spot-kick but a goal to Joevin Jones and a Levi Garcia brace saw Trinidad and Tobago remain unbeaten in qualifying.

In Group A, Mexico's flawless campaign continued with a 3-0 win over Canada.

Javier Hernandez, Hirving Lozano and Jesus Corona were all on the scoresheet for the visitors as they picked up a routine win against their closest opposition in the group.

El Salvador and Honduras failed to take advantage of Canada's slip up as they fought out a 2-2 draw, remaining two and three points respectively off second place.

There was no movement in Group B as all four teams took a point courtesy of two draws.

Haiti hosted Panama and played out a 0-0 stalemate, while Costa Rica left Jamaica with a point after a 1-1 draw.

Latest in
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have emerged as two of Manchester United's brightest stars
Manchester United report: Fresh details given as 11 players tipped for summer exit including Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC at Etihad Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
'That Alexander-Arnold spoke more with a goal gesture than he did with any other communication to supporters is one of the reasons his move to Real Madrid isn’t being accepted too kindly on Merseyside': How it got to this stage with Liverpool and Trent
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.
'I won the World Cup and I said to myself, I've done it all, I need to keep feeling emotions': Raphael Varane opens up on why he had to leave 'indescribable' Real Madrid for Manchester United
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Latest in News
Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have emerged as two of Manchester United's brightest stars
Manchester United report: Fresh details given as 11 players tipped for summer exit including Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United defender Raphael Varane.
'I won the World Cup and I said to myself, I've done it all, I need to keep feeling emotions': Raphael Varane opens up on why he had to leave 'indescribable' Real Madrid for Manchester United
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report