Nickname(s) | Matao[1] | ||
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Association | Guam Football Association | ||
Confederation | AFC (Asia) | ||
Sub-confederation | EAFF (East Asian) | ||
Head coach | Kim Sang-hoon | ||
Captain | Jason Cunliffe | ||
Most caps | Jason Cunliffe (64) | ||
Top scorer | Jason Cunliffe (25) | ||
Home stadium | GFA National Training Center | ||
FIFA code | GUM | ||
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FIFA ranking | |||
Current | 205 (6 October 2022)[2] | ||
Highest | 146 (August–September 2015) | ||
Lowest | 207 (March 2022) | ||
First international | |||
Guam 1–5 Solomon Islands (Tumon, Guam; 2 August 1975) | |||
Biggest win | |||
Guam 9–0 Northern Mariana Islands (Hagåtña, Guam; 1 April 2007) | |||
Biggest defeat | |||
North Korea 21–0 Guam (Taipei, Chinese Taipei; 11 March 2005) | |||
AFC Challenge Cup | |||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2006) | ||
Best result | Group stage (2006) |
The Guam national football team represents Guam, 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 reached its highest ever position in the FIFA World Ranking at 146 in 2015 after victories over Turkmenistan and India.[3]
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.
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.[4] In 1996, Guam became both a full member of the AFC and of FIFA.
A full member of the AFC and FIFA, Guam played its first matches against Asian teams as part of the 1996 Asian Cup of Nations qualifiers 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 to Northern Marianas in the final 3–0.[5] Guam entered the 2000 Asian Cup qualification but finished last in their group again, losing to China 19–0.
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 were 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.
Gary White became Guam's manager in 2012 and called-up players of Guamanian origin based in the United States like Ryan Guy or 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.
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.
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, meaning "courage" in the Chamorro language. Matao also refers to Matua, the greatest leader in ancient Chamorro society. White also promoted the use of a ritual song before each match of the selection, the Inifresi.[6][7]
19 February 2022 Friendly | Guam | 2–0 | Northern Mariana Islands | Hagåtña, Guam |
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Report | Stadium: Guam National Football Stadium |
22 February 2022 Friendly | Guam | 3–2 | Northern Mariana Islands | Hagåtña, Guam |
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Report |
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Stadium: Guam National Football Stadium |
Position | Name |
---|---|
Technical director & Head coach | Kim Sang-hoon |
Assistant coach | Shin Hong-gi |
Goalkeeper coach | Kim Jae-uk |
Video Analyst | Kim Yong-shin |
Team Doctor | Dr. Luis Cruz |
Physiotherapist | Jordan Tingson |
Translator | Lee Yong-un |
Team Manager | J. R. Campos |
High Performance Manager | Pavel Gubenko |
Media Officer | Jill Espiritu |
Equipment Director | Thomas Castro |
The following 22 players were called up for 2023 AFC Asian Cup qualification matches against Cambodia on 9 and 12 October 2021 respectively.[8]
Caps and goals correct as of 13 June 2021, after the match against Philippines.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1GK | Dallas Jaye | (1993-06-19) 19 June 1993 (age 29) | 20 | 0 | Monterey Bay |
1GK | Sena Morimoto | (2000-06-08) 8 June 2000 (age 22) | 0 | 0 | Bank of Guam Strykers FC | |
22 | 2DF | Travis Nicklaw | (1993-12-21) 21 December 1993 (age 28) | 35 | 1 | Free agent |
17 | 2DF | Alex Lee | (1990-01-15) 15 January 1990 (age 32) | 19 | 0 | Christos FC |
6 | 2DF | Justin Lee | (1990-01-15) 15 January 1990 (age 32) | 18 | 1 | Christos FC |
2 | 2DF | Isiah Lagutang | (1997-08-03) 3 August 1997 (age 25) | 11 | 1 | Bank of Guam Strykers FC |
4 | 2DF | Nate Lee | (1994-05-06) 6 May 1994 (age 28) | 11 | 0 | FC Frederick |
5 | 2DF | Ryan Quitugua | (1997-08-26) 26 August 1997 (age 25) | 5 | 0 | Rovers FC |
20 | 2DF | Shane Healy | (1998-07-03) 3 July 1998 (age 24) | 2 | 0 | Bank of Guam Strykers FC |
23 | 2DF | Morgan McKenna | (2003-01-16) 16 January 2003 (age 19) | 0 | 0 | Manhoben Lalåhi |
10 | 3MF | Jason Cunliffe (captain) | (1983-10-23) 23 October 1983 (age 39) | 61 | 22 | Bank of Guam Strykers FC |
8 | 3MF | Mark Chargualaf | (1991-01-03) 3 January 1991 (age 31) | 36 | 0 | Rovers FC |
7 | 3MF | John Matkin | (1986-04-20) 20 April 1986 (age 36) | 28 | 2 | Free agent |
16 | 3MF | Devan Mendiola | (1999-01-19) 19 January 1999 (age 23) | 11 | 2 | Rovers FC |
11 | 3MF | Kyle Halehale | (2002-06-03) 3 June 2002 (age 20) | 8 | 0 | Central Connecticut State University |
3 | 3MF | Marlon Evans | (1997-08-03) 3 August 1997 (age 25) | 8 | 0 | North Greenville Crusaders |
15 | 3MF | Leon Morimoto | (2001-12-18) 18 December 2001 (age 20) | 3 | 0 | Temperley II |
14 | 3MF | Eduardo Pedemonte | (2003-07-22) 22 July 2003 (age 19) | 1 | 0 | CCSF Rams |
13 | 3MF | Nate Sablan | (1993-08-10) 10 August 1993 (age 29) | 0 | 0 | Rovers FC |
4FW | Marcus López | (1992-02-09) 9 February 1992 (age 30) | 36 | 6 | Bank of Guam Strykers FC | |
12 | 4FW | Clayton Sato | (1999-07-20) 20 July 1999 (age 23) | 3 | 0 | SF State Gators |
9 | 4FW | Shawn Aguigui | (1996-08-13) 13 August 1996 (age 26) | 1 | 0 | Vallejo Omega |
19 | 4FW | Anthony Moon | (2001-10-14) 14 October 2001 (age 21) | 1 | 0 | Manhoben Lalåhi |
4FW | Jacob McDonald | (2001-01-31) 31 January 2001 (age 21) | 0 | 0 | Free agent |
The following players have also been called up to the Guam squad within last 12 months.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Alexander Stenson | (2003-02-09) 9 February 2003 (age 19) | 0 | 0 | Manhoben Lalåhi | 2021 Training Camp |
DF | Shawn Nicklaw | (1989-04-15) 15 April 1989 (age 33) | 35 | 2 | Free agent | 2021 Training CampRET |
DF | Takumi Ito | (2000-02-03) 3 February 2000 (age 22) | 0 | 0 | Ezra | 2021 Training Camp |
DF | Robert Niu | (2002-06-08) 8 June 2002 (age 20) | 0 | 0 | Manhoben Lalåhi | 2021 Training Camp |
MF | Ian Mariano | (1990-10-07) 7 October 1990 (age 32) | 42 | 3 | Isla de los Ladrones | 2021 Training Camp |
MF | Shane Malcolm | (1991-10-13) 13 October 1991 (age 31) | 29 | 4 | Free agent | 2021 Training Camp |
MF | Joey Ciochetto | (1996-10-22) 22 October 1996 (age 26) | 3 | 0 | Temecula FC | 2021 Training Camp |
FW | Dominic Perez | (1996-10-14) 14 October 1996 (age 26) | 0 | 0 | Contra Costa FC | 2021 Training Camp |
INJ Withdrew due to injury |
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AFC Asian Cup | AFC Asian Cup qualification | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Result | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | ||
1956 to 1992 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
1996 | Did not qualify | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 27 | |||||||||
2000 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 32 | ||||||||||
2004 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 11 | ||||||||||
2007 | Did not enter | Did not enter | ||||||||||||||
2011 | Did not qualify | AFC Challenge Cup | ||||||||||||||
2015 | ||||||||||||||||
2019 | Withdrew during qualification | 8 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 16 | |||||||||
2023 | Did not qualify | 12 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 8 | 36 | |||||||||
Total | 0/17 | — | 28 | 3 | 1 | 23 | 13 | 122 |
East Asian Football Championship record | Preliminary competition | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
East Asian Football Championship | |||||||||||||||
2003 | Did not qualify | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 22 | ||||||||
2005 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 49 | |||||||||
2008 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 13 | 27 | |||||||||
2010 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 28 | |||||||||
EAFF East Asian Cup | |||||||||||||||
2013 | Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 18 | ||||||||
2015 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 6 | |||||||||
EAFF E-1 Football Championship | |||||||||||||||
2017 | Did not qualify | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 7 | ||||||||
2019 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 3 | |||||||||
2022 | Did not participate | Not held | |||||||||||||
Total | - | 0/9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 10 | 5 | 21 | 48 | 160 |
Micronesian Games | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Result | Pld | W | D* | L | GS | GA | |
1969 | Football not included in games' programs | |||||||
1990 | ||||||||
1994 | ||||||||
1998 | Runners-up | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 52 | 7 | |
2001 | Did not enter | |||||||
2002 | Football not included in games' programs | |||||||
2006 | ||||||||
2010 | ||||||||
2014 | Did not enter | |||||||
2018 | ||||||||
2022 | To be determined | |||||||
Total | Runners-up | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 43 | 5 |
Media related to Guam national football team at Wikimedia Commons
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Guam Football Association | |
National teams | |
League competitions |
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Cup competitions |
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National football teams of East Asia (EAFF) | |
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Men's | |
Women's | |
†AFC member only |
National men's football teams of Asia (AFC) | |
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AFC Asian Cup | |
West Asia (WAFF) | |
Central Asia (CAFA) | |
South Asia (SAFF) | |
East Asia (EAFF) | |
Southeast Asia (AFF) | |
Defunct | |
Former |
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1 Not a member of FIFA |
National sports teams of Guam | |
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