Guatemala's World Cup qualifying campaign suffered a setback on 5 September as El Salvador claimed a 1–0 victory in Group A despite the hosts' dominance in chance creation. Guatemala peppered El Salvador's goal with 19 shots, of which five found the target, but El Salvador's goalkeeper proved immovable, maintaining a 100 per cent save percentage to frustrate the home side throughout. El Salvador's efficiency proved decisive; they managed just 10 shots with only one on target, yet converted that solitary opportunity into the match-winning goal. Guatemala's 4–2–2–2 formation generated sustained pressure, but clinical finishing eluded them in a frustrating evening. The result leaves Guatemala needing to convert their territorial advantage into goals if they are to mount a serious qualifying push, while El Salvador's defensive resilience and counter-attacking threat demonstrated their capacity to frustrate superior possession sides. El Salvador's away victory strengthens their position in the qualifying group.