The highly anticipated CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025 Group C match between Panama and Guatemala on June 20th, 2025, at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, saw Panama secure a 1-0 lead, thanks to a goal from Tomás Rodríguez. This victory puts Panama in a strong position to advance to the knockout stage.

Both Panama and Guatemala entered the match with momentum, each having won their opening games. Panama had cruised to a 5-2 victory over Guadeloupe, showcasing their offensive capabilities. Guatemala, on the other hand, secured a 1-0 victory against Jamaica, demonstrating their defensive solidity. This was Guatemala's first-ever Gold Cup win against Jamaica, ending a five-game losing streak.

The game was particularly significant as it marked the first-ever Gold Cup encounter between Panama and Guatemala, despite their history of clashes in other competitions. In their recent history, Panama has had the upper hand, remaining unbeaten in their last 13 meetings against Guatemala, with 10 wins and 3 draws. Their most recent encounter was a 3-0 victory in the 2023-24 CONCACAF Nations League.

Tomás Rodríguez's goal was a momentous occasion, marking his first goal for the Panama national team. According to reports, Panama had scored four goals in 22 minutes in the previous match against Guadeloupe, with goals from Cristian Martínez, Eduardo Guerrero, and a double from Ismael Díaz. Rodríguez then capped off the scoring, marking his first international goal. Before the game, Rodríguez had emphasized the importance of scoring as a forward and acknowledged Guatemala as a "very intense" team.

The match was broadcasted live on FS1, with streaming options available on the FOX Sports App and FuboTV. The stadium in Austin, Texas, was filled with anticipation as fans from both nations gathered to support their teams.

The Panamanian team's starting lineup featured key players such as Aníbal Godoy, Cristian Martínez, and José Luis Rodríguez, while Guatemala aimed to counter with their tactical discipline and defensive strength. The game also held added significance as both teams are set to meet again in the final round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, both being in Group A.

With the victory, Panama aimed to solidify their position at the top of Group C and secure a spot in the knockout stages. Guatemala, meanwhile, would need to regroup and focus on their remaining matches to keep their hopes alive. The match was a crucial test for both teams, highlighting their strengths and areas for improvement as they progress through the Gold Cup tournament.