Guatemala pulled off a stunning upset against Canada in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-finals, winning 6-5 on penalties after a hard-fought 1-1 draw. The match, held at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Sunday, saw José Morales score the decisive penalty, sending Guatemala to the semi-finals.
Canada started strong, with Jonathan David converting a penalty in the 30th minute after Tani Oluwaseyi was fouled in the box by Aaron Herrera. However, their momentum was disrupted when Jacob Shaffelburg received a second yellow card for a late challenge near midfield in first-half stoppage time, reducing them to 10 men. Despite being a man down, Canada managed to maintain their lead until the 69th minute.
Guatemala pressed for an equalizer, and their efforts paid off when Rubio Rubín headed in a cross from Oscar Santis, leveling the score. The game remained tied at 1-1 through the end of regulation time, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout was a tense affair, extending to seven rounds. Cyle Larin's attempt was stopped by Kenderson Navarro to start the sixth round, and José Pinto then had a chance to win it for Guatemala but sent his shot over the net. Ultimately, Luc de Fougerolles of Canada hit his shot off the crossbar, and José Morales stepped up to secure the victory for Guatemala.
Guatemala's victory was celebrated wildly by their fans, who created a vibrant atmosphere at U.S. Bank Stadium. Their team will now face the winner of the United States-Costa Rica quarterfinal match in the semi-finals on July 2nd at St. Louis CITY SC's Energizer Park. Meanwhile, Mexico will play Honduras in the other semi-final in Santa Clara, California. The championship is scheduled to take place in Houston on July 6th.