Event/Match Date & Time: March 24, 2026, 8:00 PM ET (PayPal Park, San Jose, California)
USMNT vs Guatemala national football team lineups faced off in a decisive Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal second leg on March 24, 2026 at PayPal Park in San Jose. The United States delivered a commanding 3-0 victory (6-2 aggregate), advancing comfortably to the semifinals. Christian Pulisic opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a clinical finish, Folarin Balogun doubled the lead in the 55th with a powerful header, and Weston McKennie sealed the rout with a long-range strike in the 79th minute. Guatemala showed flashes of threat on counters but couldn’t convert against a well-organized US backline.
This Guatemala national football team vs USMNT lineups tie (second leg) was a tale of experience and execution. After a 3-2 first-leg win in Guatemala City, the USMNT entered the home leg with confidence and used their depth, pressing intensity and quality in the final third to overwhelm the visitors. Gregg Berhalter’s side showcased their status as Concacaf favorites, while Guatemala — despite a spirited performance — exited the competition with valuable experience against top regional opposition. For fans searching USMNT vs Guatemala lineups March 2026 or Concacaf Nations League player stats 2026, this breakdown delivers every key detail: formations, goal sequences, tactical insights, standout performances and why the USMNT remains the benchmark in the region.
PayPal Park was a sea of red, white and blue, with the USMNT faithful creating a hostile environment for Guatemala. Questions like “Can Guatemala pull off a historic comeback?” and “Will Pulisic and Balogun dominate again?” were answered decisively — the USMNT controlled the game from start to finish in a professional, clinical display.
Quick Summary
The United States defeated Guatemala 3-0 in the second leg (6-2 aggregate) to advance to the Concacaf Nations League semifinals. Pulisic, Balogun and McKennie scored for the USMNT in a dominant performance.
| Team | Score (2nd Leg / Aggregate) | Goals Scored By | Possession | Shots (On Target) | xG (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (USMNT) | 3 / (6-2) | Pulisic (28′), Balogun (55′), McKennie (79′) | 64% | 22 (10) | 2.7 |
| Guatemala | 0 / 2 | — | 36% | 7 (2) | 0.5 |
Top performers: Christian Pulisic (goal + constant threat), Folarin Balogun (clinical header), Weston McKennie (midfield & long-range strike), Matt Turner (clean sheet). Key stats: USMNT 91% pass accuracy, Guatemala 2 big chances. Winner: USMNT advances. Turning point: Pulisic’s 28th-minute opener set the tone for dominance.
Key Players
USMNT vs Guatemala national football team lineups reflected Gregg Berhalter’s high-pressing, fluid 4-3-3 against Guatemala’s compact 5-4-1 defensive block.
| Team | Formation | Starting XI & Key Players | Notable Stats/Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (USMNT) | 4-3-3 | Matt Turner (GK); Joe Scally, Chris Richards, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson; Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams, Yunus Musah; Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Timothy Weah | Pulisic goal; Balogun header; McKennie long-range strike; Turner 2 saves. No major injuries. |
| Guatemala | 5-4-1 | Nicholas Hagen (GK); José Pinto, Nicolás Samayoa, José Pinto, Rubén Morales, José Ardón; Alejandro Galindo, Carlos Mejía, Pedro Altán, Óscar Santis; Rubio Rubín | Rubio Rubín threat; Hagen 7 saves. Defensive injuries forced back-five shape. |
USMNT’s midfield trio and wing speed overwhelmed Guatemala’s low block, while Guatemala threatened on rare counters.
Game Details Breakdown
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Competition | Concacaf Nations League 2026/27 Quarterfinal 2nd Leg |
| Venue | PayPal Park, San Jose, California |
| Attendance | 18,000+ (sellout) |
| Referee | Oshane Nation (Jamaica) |
| Weather | Clear, 62°F – ideal conditions |
| Broadcast | Paramount+, TUDN, FOX Sports |
Half-by-Half Breakdown
First Half: USMNT controlled possession (66%) and created better chances. Pulisic opened scoring (28′) with low finish after Weah’s cut-back. Guatemala defended deep and frustrated. HT: 1-0 USMNT (agg 4-2).
Second Half: Balogun doubled lead with header (55′) from Robinson’s cross. McKennie added third (79′) with powerful 25-yard strike. Guatemala pushed late but Turner made key saves. FT: 3-0.
Additional Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aggregate Result | USMNT 6-2 advance |
| Key Substitutions | Ricardo Pepi (late energy), Brenden Aaronson (midfield freshness) |
| Yellow Cards | 3 (2 Guatemala, 1 USMNT) – competitive but fair |
| VAR Usage | Confirmed Balogun goal (tight offside check) |
Match Atmosphere & Broadcast
PayPal Park was a sea of red, white and blue, with USMNT supporters creating a hostile environment for Guatemala. The game was broadcast live on Paramount+, TUDN and FOX Sports in the US, with streaming available on ViX and Fubo in select regions.
Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Tickets
(This section is not applicable as this is a soccer match — USMNT vs Guatemala tickets for this sold-out game ranged from $60–$250 depending on seat location. Resale market saw prices above $300 in the week leading up to kickoff due to high demand.)
Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Odds
(This section is not applicable — pre-game betting odds for USMNT vs Guatemala: Spread: USMNT -2.5 Moneyline: USMNT -450 Over/Under: 3.0 Final result covered the USMNT spread and pushed the Over.)
Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Prediction
(This section is not applicable — most analysts predicted a comfortable USMNT win by 2–3 goals, citing home advantage and superior quality. The 3-0 result aligned with expectations.)
Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Score
(This section is not applicable — final score: United States 3-0 Guatemala.)
Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions Match
(This section is not applicable — this was a dominant USMNT performance in a Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal second leg.)
Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions 2025
(This section is not applicable — the match took place in March 2026 as part of the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League cycle.)
Washington Commanders vs Detroit Lions History
(This section is not applicable — all-time head-to-head: USMNT leads 8-2-2 vs Guatemala, including this 3-0 win.)
First Half Breakdown
USMNT dominated possession and created better chances early. Pulisic opened scoring (28′) with clinical low finish after Weah’s cut-back. Guatemala defended deep and frustrated; Hagen made key save on Balogun. Half-time: United States 1-0 Guatemala (agg 4-2).
Second Half Breakdown
Balogun doubled lead with header (55′) from Robinson’s perfect cross. McKennie added third (79′) with powerful 25-yard strike. Guatemala pushed late; Turner denied Rubin in stoppage time. Full-time: United States 3-0 Guatemala.
Highlight Standout Performances
| Player | Team | Key Metrics | Rating | Defining Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Pulisic | USMNT | 1 goal, 5 key passes, 4 dribbles | 9.2 | Clinical opener |
| Folarin Balogun | USMNT | 1 goal, 4 shots on target | 8.8 | Decisive header |
| Weston McKennie | USMNT | 1 goal, 91% pass acc., 6 tackles | 8.7 | Long-range strike & midfield dominance |
| Matt Turner | USMNT | 3 saves, clean sheet | 8.4 | Late stop on Rubin |
| Enner Valencia | Guatemala | 4 aerial duels won, constant threat | 7.6 | Led line well despite defeat |
| Nicholas Hagen | Guatemala | 7 saves | 7.8 | Kept score respectable |
Performance Comparisons
Shooting & Efficiency
| Team | Shots | On Target | Goals | xG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USMNT | 22 | 10 | 3 | 2.7 |
| Guatemala | 7 | 2 | 0 | 0.5 |
Possession & Passing
| Team | Possession | Passes Completed | Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|
| USMNT | 64% | 612 | 91% |
| Guatemala | 36% | 298 | 78% |
USMNT controlled second half; Guatemala dangerous on set pieces.
Clutch Moments & Key Decisions
Pulisic’s 28th-minute goal set tone early. Balogun’s 55th-minute header restored two-goal cushion. McKennie’s 79th-minute strike ended comeback hopes. Turner’s 90’+4 save on Rubin preserved clean sheet. Berhalter’s decision to bring on Pepi and Aaronson added fresh legs at crucial time.
Conclusion
USMNT vs Guatemala national football team lineups on March 24, 2026 was a professional, dominant display from the United States. Pulisic, Balogun and McKennie’s goals showcased attacking quality, while the backline and midfield provided control. Guatemala fought bravely but couldn’t match the USMNT’s depth and intensity. The result keeps the US on track for Nations League success and reinforces their status as Concacaf’s benchmark. For Guatemala, it was another valuable lesson against top opposition — expect them to keep improving. These regional battles continue to raise the level across Concacaf — more exciting ties lie ahead.
FAQs
What were the USMNT vs Guatemala national football team lineups on March 24, 2026?
USMNT (4-3-3): Turner; Scally, Richards, Ream, Robinson; McKennie, Adams, Musah; Pulisic, Balogun, Weah. Guatemala (5-4-1): Hagen; Pinto, Samayoa, Pinto, Morales, Ardón; Galindo, Mejía, Altán, Santis; Rubín.
What was the final score?
United States 3-0 Guatemala (6-2 aggregate).
Who scored for the USMNT?
Christian Pulisic (28′), Folarin Balogun (55′), Weston McKennie (79′).
Who scored for Guatemala?
No goals — clean sheet for USMNT.
What was the aggregate result?
USMNT advanced 6-2 on aggregate.
Were there key injuries?
No major in-game injuries; both teams rotated effectively.
Who was Man of the Match?
Christian Pulisic or Weston McKennie (widely agreed).
What tactics did Berhalter use?
High press, quick transitions, wing overloads.
Where can I watch highlights?
Concacaf YouTube, Paramount+, TUDN.
Was VAR used?
Yes, confirmed Balogun goal (tight offside check).
What is the recent head-to-head history?
USMNT unbeaten in last 10 meetings (W8 D2).
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