Guatemala League: 2026 Apertura Preview & Predictions

After the conclusion of a new championship in Guatemalan soccer, the 12 National League teams They are already beginning their preparation to face a new challenge in search of the title. In this context, the clubs adjust their squads and define their sporting projects, so below we present all the movements confirmed in the market so far, with the Ups and downs for the 2026 Apertura Tournament.

With three weeks left until start of the 2026 Apertura Tournamentthe teams that make up the National League They refine details to face a new challenge in the highest category of Guatemalan soccer. Several clubs have already begun to make moves in their squads for the next championship, in which it will be decided whether Antigua GFC achieves the three-time championship or if a new team will be the national champion.

Description of the photo for people with visual disabilities: They are old and municipal players talking to the referee in a soccer match.
(Credits: Guatemala National League)

The Onion team closed a historic season by reaching a semifinal in short tournaments for the first time, which strengthened its sporting project. Looking ahead to Apertura 2026, Achuapa aims to stay in the qualification zone and consolidate what has been shown. So far, his movements have been only in the technical direction.
Highs:

  • Coach: Rafael Loredo (Mexico)

Casualties:

  • Coach: Álvaro García

The current two-time Guatemalan soccer champion has not yet announced any changes to his squad after being crowned champion. However, the main news is the continuity of the Argentine coach Mauricio Tapia, architect of the historic two-time championship, who will continue to lead the colonial team in search of the three-time championship.

Renovation of Mauricio Tapia with Antigua GFC for Opening 2026
Description of the photo for people with visual disabilities: It is a poster announcing the renewal of the Antigua GFC coach.
(Credits: Club social networks)

The Aurinegro team had a very positive Apertura 2025, managing to add key points to move away from relegation and reach the semifinals. For the new tournament, Aurora has opted for a major restructuring of its squad.
Highs:

  • No confirmed movements

Casualties:

  • Francisco Gasparini (Paraguay)
  • Miguel Quinonez
  • Jorge Ortiz
  • Carlos Quan
  • Lusvin Galvez
  • Carlos Gómez (Physical trainer)

After being left out of the league in the previous tournament, the Coban team aims to be the protagonist and, above all, to avoid complications with relegation, from which they are separated by just three points.
Highs:

  • Coach: Martín García (Uruguay)
  • Player: Marcos Acosta (Paraguay)

Casualties:

  • Coach: Sebastián Bini (Argentina)
  • Player: Javier Romero
Reinforcements of Cobán Imperial for the Apertura 2026
Description of the photo for people with visual disabilities: It is the photograph announcing the arrival of a new player.
(Credits: Imperial Cobán)

One of the winningest clubs in the country is going through a difficult time after closing the Apertura in last place in the accumulated table. The main objective will be to get out of the relegation zone and regain prominence.
Highs:

Casualties:

  • Coach: Iván Franco Sopegno (Argentina)

The yellow-chested team seeks to get out of the bottom of the table and to do so it has already begun to strengthen itself.
Highs:

  • Joshua Ubico
  • Kevin Fernandez (Paraguay)
  • Carlos Alvarado
  • Santiago Gomez (Argentina)

Casualties:

  • Ricardo Blanco
  • Hristopher Robles
Santiago Gomez signed with Guastatoya for the Apertura 2026
Description of the photo for people with visual disabilities: It is the image of the reinforcement of Santiago Gómez with Guastatoya.
(Credits: Club social networks)

The bulls finished the Apertura in fifth position and advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were eliminated by Aurora. Until now, Malacateco does not register confirmed additions or cancellations.

Another of the teams focused on avoiding relegation is Marquense, which has been one of the most active in the market.
Highs:

  • Rafael Lutkowski (Brazil)
  • Renato Encia (Paraguay)
  • Miguel Escobar (Argentina)
  • Jim Varela (Uruguay)

Casualties:

  • Diego Vázquez (Coach)
  • Luis Zuniga
  • I survived Barlovento
  • Josman Gonzalez
  • Valerio Morales
  • Brailin De León
  • Minor Alvarez
Marquense signings for Apetura 2026
Description of the photo for people with visual disabilities: It is the announcement of the retirement of the Marquense player Minor Alvarez.
(Credits: Marquense)

The Mixque team was one of the most consistent in the last tournament, finishing second in the overall table, although it was eliminated in the quarterfinals. At the moment, no movements are reported.

The Reds continue to lead the accumulated table and, so far, they have not announced any changes to their squad for Apertura 2026.

The superchido team has already begun its restructuring with a view to fighting for the title again.
Highs:

Casualties:

Xelajú movements for the Apertura 2026
Description of the photo for people with visual disabilities: It is a poster announcing the arrival of the new Xelajú player.
(Credits: Club social networks)

With these movements, the market highs and lows for the 2026 Apertura Tournament It is beginning to take shape and promises a competitive championship from the first day.

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Marcus Cole

Marcus Cole is a senior football analyst at Archysport with over a decade of experience covering the NFL, college football, and international football leagues. A former NCAA Division I player turned journalist, Marcus brings an insider's understanding of the game to every breakdown. His work focuses on tactical analysis, draft evaluations, and in-depth game previews. When he's not breaking down film, Marcus covers the intersection of football culture and the communities it shapes across America.

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