[11] Prior to this match it was reported that four Cuban players left their team delegation on the night of June 27, after the game against Guatemala and before flying from Miami to Houston to face Guadeloupe.
The four players who defected were Roberney Caballero, Denilson Milanés, Neisser Sandó and Jassael Herrera.
[15] Man of the Match: Aaron Herrera (Guatemala)[17] Assistant referees:[14] Enrique Bustos (Mexico) Jorge Sánchez (Mexico) Fourth official: Reon Radix (Grenada) Video assistant referee: Luis Enrique Santander (Mexico) Assistant video assistant referee: Shirley Perelló (Honduras) The two teams had met only once at the Gold Cup when Guadaloupe won 10–9 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regular time in the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup qualification second round.
[20] Man of the Match: Rubio Rubin (Guatemala)[21] Assistant referees:[22] Juan Carlos Mora (Costa Rica) Henri Pupiro (Nicaragua) Fourth official: Daneon Parchment (Jamaica) Video assistant referee: Benjamín Pineda (Costa Rica) Assistant video assistant referee: Ismael Cornejo (El Salvador) The two teams had faced each other 14 times previously,[23] including three Gold Cup group stage matches: a Cuba's 2–0 victory in 2003 and two 2–1 and 7–0 wins for Canada in 2005 and 2019, respectively.
[18] They also met in a goalless draw during the qualification play-off ahead to the 2000 CONCACAF Gold Cup.