SANTA TECLA, El Salvador – The El Salvador women’s national team delivered a resounding performance on Sunday, defeating Barbados 13-0 in a dominant display during the 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers. The victory, played at Estadio Nacional Las Delicias, firmly establishes El Salvador’s position at the top of Group F and marks a significant step forward in their quest to advance in the qualifying tournament.
The offensive onslaught was led by captain Brenda Cerén and forward Danielle Fuentes, each scoring a hat trick. The pair spearheaded an attack that proved too much for Barbados to handle, showcasing El Salvador’s growing strength in women’s football. This result underscores the progress the team has made under coach Eric Acuña, and signals a potential breakthrough for the nation on the international stage.
First-Half Blitz Sets the Tone
El Salvador wasted little time asserting their dominance. By halftime, they had already established a commanding 6-0 lead. Cerén and Fuentes both found the back of the net twice in the opening 45 minutes, alongside goals from Danya Gutiérrez and Victoria Meza. The team’s ability to quickly convert opportunities into goals created a significant advantage and demoralized the visiting side. According to reports, El Salvador scored four goals in a rapid seven-minute span to close out the first half, demonstrating their relentless attacking pressure.
Second-Half Surge Continues the Rout
The second half saw no letup from El Salvador. Cerén completed her hat trick in the 72nd minute, further solidifying her status as a key player for the national team. Fuentes mirrored her captain’s achievement, securing her own hat trick in the 87th minute. Jackeline Velásquez also contributed significantly, scoring a brace with goals in the 79th and 90+4 minutes, extending the lead and capping off a truly remarkable performance.
Cerén and Fuentes: The Dynamic Duo
Brenda Cerén, who currently plays for Liga MX Femenil club Atlas, continues to be a pivotal figure for El Salvador. Born in Quezaltepeque in 1998, Cerén’s leadership and goal-scoring ability were on full display against Barbados. Her performance highlights her importance not only to the national team but also to her club career in Mexico. Danielle Fuentes complemented Cerén’s efforts perfectly, showcasing a strong partnership that will be crucial for El Salvador’s future success.
What’s Next for El Salvador?
El Salvador will now turn their attention to their next challenge: a match against Trinidad and Tobago during the April Qualifying window. This upcoming fixture will be a crucial test for the team as they aim to maintain their momentum and secure a spot in the next round of the Concacaf W Qualifiers. The team’s strong performance against Barbados has undoubtedly boosted their confidence, but they will need to remain focused and prepared for a potentially tougher opponent in Trinidad and Tobago.
Barbados Faces Honduras
Barbados, meanwhile, will face Honduras in their next match during the April Qualifying window. Following the heavy defeat to El Salvador, the team will be looking to regroup and improve their performance. The match against Honduras presents an opportunity for Barbados to bounce back and gain valuable experience in the qualifying tournament.
A Growing Momentum for Women’s Football in El Salvador
The 13-0 victory over Barbados is more than just a result; it represents a significant moment for women’s football in El Salvador. The match, played in front of 4,811 fans at Estadio Nacional Las Delicias, demonstrated the growing support for the national team and the increasing interest in the sport within the country. This level of fan engagement is a positive sign for the future of women’s football in El Salvador, and it provides a strong foundation for continued growth and success.
The team’s success is also a testament to the dedication of the players, coaches, and staff involved in the program. Their hard work and commitment have paid off with this impressive victory, and they will undoubtedly continue to strive for excellence as they navigate the challenges of the Concacaf W Qualifiers.
This dominant win positions El Salvador favorably in Group F, with six points and a substantial goal difference of +16. The team’s performance demonstrates their ambition and potential to compete at a higher level, and fans will be eagerly anticipating their next match against Trinidad and Tobago.
The next confirmed checkpoint for El Salvador is their match against Trinidad and Tobago in April. Stay tuned to Archysport for further updates and coverage of the Concacaf W Qualifiers.
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