Ecuador, Guatemala Soccer Teams to Play Friendly Match in Columbus

The international exhibition game will serve as a warm-up for the 2026 World Cup.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:15pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, featuring vibrant colors and overlapping planes that represent a soccer match between the national teams of Ecuador and Guatemala.A cubist interpretation of the upcoming friendly match between the national soccer teams of Ecuador and Guatemala, highlighting the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the international exhibition.Columbus Today

An international friendly soccer match between the national teams of Ecuador and Guatemala will be held on June 7 at 4 p.m. at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field in Columbus, Ohio, according to a press release from the Columbus Crew. The game is being billed as a tune-up for the 2026 World Cup, where both teams will be competing.

Why it matters

This exhibition match provides an opportunity for the Ecuador and Guatemala national soccer teams to prepare for the upcoming 2026 World Cup by facing off against a competitive opponent. The game will also bring international soccer excitement to Columbus, which is home to the Columbus Crew MLS club.

The details

The friendly match between Ecuador and Guatemala will take place at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field, the home stadium of the Columbus Crew. Ecuador is slated to compete in Group E at the 2026 World Cup, while Guatemala's group has not yet been determined.

  • The match is scheduled for June 7, 2026 at 4 p.m. local time.

The players

Ecuador National Soccer Team

The Ecuador national soccer team, nicknamed 'La Tri', will be competing in the 2026 World Cup after qualifying from the CONMEBOL region.

Guatemala National Soccer Team

The Guatemala national soccer team will also be participating in the 2026 World Cup, though their group has not yet been determined.

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What’s next

The results of this friendly match between Ecuador and Guatemala will provide valuable insights for both teams as they continue preparing for the 2026 World Cup.

The takeaway

This international soccer exhibition in Columbus demonstrates the city's growing reputation as a hub for major sporting events, further boosting its profile as a destination for top-level competition.