MIAMI, Florida – Four berths in the 2023 FIFA Under-17 Men’s World Cup will be on the line on Tuesday and Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the 2023 Concacaf Men’s Under-17 Championship in Guatemala.
Mexico vs. El Salvador
All four quarterfinal matches will be played at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City, beginning with reigning CMU17 champions Mexico and El Salvador.
Mexico lead the all-time CMU17 series between the two nations with a 4W-1D-0L record, including a 5-1 Mexico win in the 2019 quarterfinals.
Stephano Carrillo has been sensational for El Tricolor with five goals, while Fidel Barajas has been a playmaker and goalscorer himself, with three goals and two assists.
El Salvador have plenty of players who pose danger, too, including Christopher Argueta, who leads his team in scoring with three goals.
Not only would a win be a first ever over Mexico in the CMU17, but it would qualify El Salvador for their first ever U17 Men’s World Cup. Mexico are pursuing their 15th U17 Men’s World Cup appearance.
Referee: Joseph Dickerson (USA)
Guatemala vs. United States
The second game of the day on Tuesday pits host nation Guatemala versus the United States. The U.S. has won all six previous CMU17 encounters, including a 3-0 final in the 2019 edition, but Tuesday night will be a different animal with a stadium full of Guatemala fans backing the home side.
The U.S. will turn to the likes of Keyrol Figueroa, Cruz Medina and Paulo Rudisill to try to quiet the home fans. Figueroa has four goals, Medina has three, while Rudisill has chipped in with three assists.
Olger Escobar and Santiago Garzaro have been the main men for the Chapines in the tournament, with Escobar tallying three goals and Garzaro sitting on two goals and an assist.
A victory would also mean a first ever U17 Men’s World Cup qualification for Guatemala, while the U.S. are seeking their 18th.
Games Notes Guatemala vs United States
Referee: Victor Caceres (MEX)
Puerto Rico vs. Canada
Wednesday kicks off with an interesting tangle between Puerto Rico and Canada in what will be the first ever CMU17 meeting between the two sides.
Puerto Rico reached this stage of the tournament by virtue of a dramatic penalty shootout win over Costa Rica. The Boricuas had advanced directly to the Round of 16 after winning their group in CMU17 Qualifying last fall, and now they are just a win away from this year’s World Cup in Peru.
GK Sebastian Cuevas was the hero against the Ticos with a penalty save in extra time, and he will likely be called on again on Wednesday to deliver a big performance against the Canadians.
During the tournament Canada have used a spread-the-wealth approach in that seven different players have scored, while six players constitute the team’s eight assists. Chimere Omeze and Kyler Vojvodic are two of the players have contributed at least a goal and an assist.
Canada are seeking an eighth U17 Men’s World Cup, while Puerto Rico would make history by qualifying for their first.
Referee: Kwinsi Williams (TRI)
Game Notes Puerto Rico vs Canada
Honduras vs. Panama
The quarterfinal round concludes with Panama squaring off with Honduras in their seventh CMU17 meeting. Honduras have an edge of 4W-0D-2L; however, Panama won the last two in 2010 and 2017.
Kevin Walder has been an attacking machine for Panama, leading the way with four goals on 13 shots. Erick Diaz has been solid in every way, completing 143 passes and is tied with Anel Ryce for the most ball recoveries on the team (3).
Honduras have been a force in this CMU17 going forward thanks in large part to Edwin Munguia, who has four goals, 12 shots and 125 completed passes. Even more critical has been the play of Roberto Osorto, who has contributed an astounding six assists.
For Honduras, it would be their sixth U17 Men’s World Cup, while Panama are seeking their third.
Referee: Jose Ignacio Fuentes (GUA)
