Guam national football team

The Guam national football team represents Guam, an overseas territory of the United States, in international football and is controlled by the Guam Football Association. They are affiliated with the Asian Football Confederation's East Asian Football Federation region.

Guam
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Matao (The Noblemen)[1]
AssociationGuam Football Association
ConfederationAFC (Asia)
Sub-confederationEAFF (East Asian)
Head coachRoss Awa
CaptainJason Cunliffe
Most capsJason Cunliffe (66)
Top scorerJason Cunliffe (26)
Home stadiumGFA National Training Center
FIFA codeGUM
First colors
Second colors
FIFA ranking
Current 204 Increase 1 (20 June 2024)[2]
Highest146 (August–September 2015)
Lowest207 (March 2022)
First international
 Guam 1–5 Solomon Islands 
(Tumon, Guam; 2 August 1975)
Biggest win
Unofficial
 Guam 16–1 Pohnpei 
(Koror City, Palau; 27 July 1998)
 Guam 15–0 Yap 
(Koror City, Palau; 31 July 1998)
Official
 Guam 9–0 Northern Mariana Islands 
(Hagåtña, Guam; 1 April 2007)
Biggest defeat
 North Korea 21–0 Guam 
(Taipei, Taiwan; 11 March 2005)
Pacific Games
Appearances5 (first in 1975)
Best resultSixth place (1979)
Pacific Mini Games
Appearances1 (first in 1993)
Best resultGroup stage (1993)
Micronesian Games
Appearances1 (first in 1998)
Best resultRunners-up (1998)

Guam reached its highest ever position in the FIFA World Ranking at 146th in 2015 after victories over Turkmenistan and India.[4] Guam's first FIFA World Cup qualification match was played against Iran national football team at Tabriz.[5]

History

Beginnings (1960s–1990s)

Football in Guam began in the 1960s, on the initiative of two pioneers: an Irish priest, Tony Gillespie, and an owner of a construction company, Charles Whang, who settled in Guam and created the Guam Soccer Cup before becoming the first president of the Guam Football Association in 1975.

Guam played its first international match at the 1975 Pacific Games against Solomon Islands, losing 5–1. This result was followed by an 11–0 loss to Fiji, eliminating them from the competition. In the 1979 Games, Guam again lost twice to New Caledonia 11–1 and New Hebrides 5–0. Progressing to the Consolation Tournament, Guam registered their first victories, beating Western Samoa 4–2, and Tuvalu 7–2 before losing again to New Hebrides, 5–1.

AFC and FIFA Member (1991–2011)

Despite being considered part of Oceania, and having never faced an Asian team to that point, Guam became an associate member of the AFC in 1991 but continued to participate in the Pacific Games.[6] In 1996, Guam became both a full member of the AFC and of FIFA.

As a full member of the AFC and FIFA, Guam played its first matches against Asian teams as part of the 1996 AFC Asian Cup qualification losing all three matches against South Korea (9–0), Vietnam (9–0), and Chinese Taipei (9–2).

In 1998, Guam played in the Micronesian Games, though the tournament was a 9-a-side competition with 80 minute matches. Guam finished top of the group stage but lost 3–0 to Northern Mariana Islands in the final.[7] Guam entered the 2000 Asian Cup qualification but finished last in their group again, losing to Vietnam (11–0), China (19–0), and Philippines (2–0).

Guam became one of the founding members of the East Asian Football Federation in 2002 and participated in the qualifiers for the inaugural 2003 East Asian Football Championship, finishing last again without registering a goal. The same is true for the 2004 AFC Asian Cup qualification, beaten by Bhutan and Mongolia. For the 2006 World Cup qualifiers, Guam entered and was scheduled to face Nepal in the first round but both Nepal and Guam withdrew for financial reasons before their first match.

In the 2005 East Asian Football Championship qualifiers, Guam lost all four matches heavily, against Chinese Taipei (9–0), Hong Kong (15–0), Mongolia (4–1), and North Korea (21–0). Following these defeats, Guam entered the 2006 AFC Challenge Cup, a competition designed for emerging nations to help develop their football. Guam again lost all three matches to Palestine (11–0), Bangladesh (3–0), and Cambodia (3–0).

Guam advanced to the second stage of qualifying in the 2008 East Asian Football Championship by beating Northern Marianas 12–2 over two legs but they were eliminated in the next round by Chinese Taipei (10–0), and Hong Kong (15–1). In the 2010 East Asian Football Championship qualifiers, Guam managed to get its first victory over a FIFA member, beating Mongolia 1–0. They would go on to top the group before being eliminated at the next stage. Guam returned to the 2011 Pacific Games after a sixteen-year absence, but only managed to beat American Samoa 2–0, finishing second last and failing to advance to the knock-out stages.

Building the football structure (2012–present)

Gary White became Guam's manager in 2012 and called-up players of Guamanian origin based in the United States like Ryan Guy and A. J. DeLaGarza to improve the level of his team. In the 2013 EAFF East Asian Cup, Matao managed to advance past the first round by beating Northern Marianas (3–1) and Macao (3–0). Guam then participated in the 2012 Philippine Peace Cup, replacing Hong Kong, losing against Philippines (1–0) and Chinese Taipei (2–0) but beat Macao (3–0) in its final group game to finish third. Guam advanced to the second qualifying stage of both the 2015 and 2017 EAFF Championship finishing third and fourth respectively and failing to advance the final competition.

Map of Guam stadium

In 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, Guam beat Turkmenistan (1–0) and India (2–1), finishing fourth in their group and qualifying for the 2019 Asian Cup third round qualifiers, although Guam withdrew before the draw took place. Guam then failed to progress past the first qualifying round for the 2019 EAFF Championship.

During the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Guam beat Bhutan 5–1 over two legs but lost all eight of their second round matches and finished bottom of their group, scoring two goals and conceding 32.

After nearly not playing an international match for a year, Guam participated in the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification against Singapore, where they would ultimately lose 3–1 on aggregate.

Nickname

Until 2011, the nickname of the Guamanian selection was Chamorros, in reference to the local population of Guam. When Gary White took charge of Guam, the team has changed their nickname to Matao, referring to highest social class in ancient Chamorro society in the Chamorro language. White also promoted the use of the Guam pledge before each match of the selection, referred to as the Inifresi.[8][9]

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2023

v  Guam
October 12, 2023 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC first round Singapore  2–1  Guam Kallang, Singapore
19:30 UTC+8
ReportCunliffe 90'Stadium: National Stadium
Attendance: 10,355
Referee: Mohammad Mofeed Naser Ghabayen (Jordan)
v  Singapore
October 17, 2023 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – AFC first round Guam  0–1
(1–3 agg.)
 Singapore Dededo, Guam
14:45 UTC+10ReportAnuar 82'Stadium: GFA National Training Center
Attendance: 1,012
Referee: Chen Hsin-chuan (Chinese Taipei)

2024

v  Guam
April 6 2024 Marianas Cup Northern Mariana Islands  2–2  Guam
Report
  • Manibusan 48'
  • Stenson 60'
v  Guam
April 7 2024 Marianas Cup Northern Mariana Islands  2–1  Guam
  • Narvaez Jr. 6'
  • Lizama 68'
Report
  • Harmon 74'

Current coaching staff

PositionName
Head coach Ross Awa
Assistant coach Chris Malenab
Assistant coach Matt Holland
Goalkeeper coach Jeroen Bos
Video Analyst Chris Malenab
Team Doctor Dr. Luis Cruz
Physiotherapist J.P. Thompson
Physiotherapist Walfred Javier
Team Manager Vance Manibusan
High Performance Manager Pavel Gubenko
Media Officer Jill Espiritu
Equipment Director Thomas Castro

Coaching history

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up against  Singapore on October 12 & 17, 2023 respectively.[10]

Caps and goals correct as of October 17, 2023, after the match against  Singapore.

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
11GKDallas Jaye (1993-06-19) June 19, 1993 (age 31)220free agent
181GKJohn-Michael Guidroz (2004-01-01) January 1, 2004 (age 20)00 University of West Florida
211GKZaine Rocca (2007-06-28) June 28, 2007 (age 17)00 Total Futbol Academy

22DFIsiah Lagutang (1997-08-03) August 3, 1997 (age 26)131 Bank of Guam Strykers FC
32DFJonahan Romero (1988-03-17) March 17, 1988 (age 36)340 SYC United
52DFLeon Morimoto (2001-12-18) December 18, 2001 (age 22)40 Temperley
62DFNate Lee (1994-05-06) May 6, 1994 (age 30)110 FC Frederick
122DFAnthony Quidachay (2002-06-11) June 11, 2002 (age 22)10 Chatham Cougars
132DFTakumi Ito (2000-02-03) February 3, 2000 (age 24)30 Ezra
152DFShane Healy (1998-07-03) July 3, 1998 (age 26)30 Bank of Guam Strykers FC
202DFDane Agustin (2006-01-23) January 23, 2006 (age 18)20 San Antonio FC Academy

43MFKyle Halehale (2002-06-03) June 3, 2002 (age 22)100 Hartford City FC
73MFJohn Matkin (1986-04-20) April 20, 1986 (age 38)302Free agent
83MFAlec Taitague (2000-05-09) May 9, 2000 (age 24)302 Roanoke Maroons
103MFJason Cunliffe (captain) (1983-10-23) October 23, 1983 (age 40)6626 Bank of Guam Strykers FC
143MFJude Bischoff (1992-04-26) April 26, 1992 (age 32)10 Guam Shipyard
173MFLevi Berg (2008-04-15) April 15, 2008 (age 16)10 Guam Shipyard
223MFTravis Nicklaw (1993-12-21) December 21, 1993 (age 30)361Free agent
233MFJason Castro (2007-07-06) July 6, 2007 (age 16)00

94FWMarcus López (1992-02-09) February 9, 1992 (age 32)376 Bank of Guam Strykers FC
114FWEddie Na (1996-02-12) February 12, 1996 (age 28)80 Tacoma Stars
164FWKa'eo Gonsalves (2005-01-06) January 6, 2005 (age 19)20 Richmond Kickers
194FWOz Rocca (2004-08-10) August 10, 2004 (age 19)20 Cal State Bakersfield Roadrunners

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Guam squad within last 12 months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up




INJ Withdrew due to injury
PRE Preliminary squad
RET Retired from the national team
SUS Serving suspension

Player records

As of October 17, 2023
Players in bold are still active with Guam.

Most appearances

Jason Cunliffe is Guam's top goalscorer and their most capped player.
RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1Jason Cunliffe66262006–present
2Ian Mariano4232007–present
3Dylan Naputi4032011–present
4Dominic Gadia3602003–present
Marcus Lopez3662012–present
Mark Chargualaf3602007–present
7Shawn Nicklaw3522012–2019
Travis Nicklaw3512012–present
9Ryan Guy3342012–2016
Micah Paulino3302008–2016

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1Jason Cunliffe26660.392006–present
2Matthew Naputi131998–2005
3Zachary Pangelinan8120.672005–2008
4Marcus Lopez6360.172012–present
5Joshua Borja5150.332009–2013
6Christopher Mendiola4110.362007–2009
Shane Malcolm4290.142014–present
Ryan Guy4330.122012–2016
9Elias Merfalen3190.162005–2012
Dylan Naputi3400.082011–present
Ian Mariano3420.072007–present

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World CupQualification
YearRoundPositionPldWDLFAPldWDLFA
1930 to 1998Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member
2002Did not qualify2002035
2006WithdrewWithdrew
2010
2014
2018Did not qualify8215316
202210109733
2026200213
2030To be determinedTo be determined
2034
Total0/72231181187

AFC Asian Cup

AFC Asian CupAFC Asian Cup qualification
YearResultPositionPldWD*LGSGAPldWD*LGFGA
1956Not a member of the AFCNot a member of the AFC
1960
1964
1968
1972
1976
1980
1984
1988
1992Did not enterDid not enter
1996Did not qualify3003227
20003003032
20042002011
2007Did not enterDid not enter
2011Did not qualifyAFC Challenge Cup
2015
2019Withdrew during qualification8215316
2023Did not qualify121011836
2027Excluded during qualification200213
Total0/1830312514125
  • 2019 – Withdrew from the third tournament due to financial constraints.

East Asian Football Championship

East Asian Football Championship recordPreliminary competition
YearRoundPositionPldWDLGFGAPldWDLGFGA
East Asian Football Championship
2003Did not qualify4004022
20054004149
200842021327
20106213928
EAFF East Asian Cup
2013Did not qualify6213818
20156321106
EAFF E-1 Football Championship
2017Did not qualify300327
2019311153
2022Did not participateNot held
2024To be determinedTo be determined
Total-0/9000000361052148160

AFC Challenge Cup

AFC Challenge Cup recordQualification record
YearResultPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
2006Group stage16th3003017No qualification
2008Did not qualify3003418
2010Did not enterDid not enter
2012
2014Did not qualify310239
TotalGroup stage1/530030176105727

Pacific Games

Pacific Mini Games

Pacific Mini Games record
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGA
1981did not enter
1993Group stage8th3003135
2017did not enter
TotalGroup Stage1/33003135

Micronesian Games

Micronesian Games record
YearResultPositionPldWD*LGSGA
1998Runners-up2nd6501527
2014Did not enter
2018
2022To be determined
TotalRunners-up1/36501435

Head-to-head record

As of 12 September 2023

OpponentFirstLastPlayedWDLGFGAGDConfederation
 American Samoa201120111100200OFC
 Aruba20142014201124–2CONCACAF
 Australia20122012100109–9AFC
 Bangladesh20062006100103–3AFC
 Bhutan20032019310257–2AFC
 Cambodia20062021410336–3AFC
 China200020213003033–33AFC
 Chinese Taipei19962016122151352–39AFC
 Fiji197519962002119–18OFC
 Hong Kong200320168017459–55AFC
 India20132015310226–4AFC
 Iran200020153003031–31AFC
 North Korea200520165005342–39AFC
 South Korea19961996100109–9AFC
 Laos201320131010110AFC
 Macau200320186222862AFC
 Maldives20192019200214–3AFC
 Mongolia200320187214717–17AFC
 Myanmar20132013100105–5AFC
 New Caledonia197920112002120–19OFC
 Northern Mariana Islands20072018660026422AFC
 Oman20152016201101–1AFC
 Pakistan20082008100129–7AFC
 Palestine200620061001011–11AFC
 Papua New Guinea19951995100109–9OFC
 Philippines200020215005113–12AFC
 Singapore201520151010220AFC
 Solomon Islands197520113003224–22OFC
 Sri Lanka20082008100115–4AFC
 Syria20192021200207–7AFC
 Tahiti199319931001011–11OFC
 Tajikistan200020001001016–16AFC
 Turkmenistan201520152101110AFC
 Vanuatu19952011200202–2OFC
 Vietnam19962000200202–20AFC

Honors

Mariana Cup

  • 2007, 2008, 2010

References

Media related to Guam national football team at Wikimedia Commons