Suriname’s hopes of securing a direct spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed after a disappointing performance against Guatemala in their final group stage match. Despite Panama’s victory securing their top position in the group and automatic qualification, Suriname struggled to find inspiration, especially without their key player Vaessen, who reportedly sustained an injury before the match. Guatemala, already out of contention for the World Cup, dominated the game from start to finish, exposing Suriname’s vulnerabilities. The Surinamese team appeared disjointed, with frequent ball losses and players resorting to individual efforts that were repeatedly thwarted by Guatemala’s defense. A late own goal by Guatemala provided Suriname with a lifeline, allowing them to secure a place in the upcoming playoffs. In March, Suriname will compete against New Caledonia, Bolivia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq, and Jamaica for the remaining two World Cup spots. The playoff format will see the teams divided into two groups, with the highest-ranked teams (Iraq and Congo DR) receiving a bye in the first round. Suriname, currently ranked 126th in the FIFA rankings, faces a challenging path, potentially matching up against either Iraq or Congo DR in the decisive round. The journey to World Cup qualification remains an uphill battle for Suriname, requiring significant improvement in their gameplay and cohesion.