Guatemala then played a direct elimination quarterfinal match against the United States, and won 2-1 which secured a place in the top four and thus participation in the 2011 U-20 World Cup.

The result was considered a significant upset by the international news media as the United States was one of the strongest teams in CONCACAF.

[1][2] Guatemala was drawn into Group D of the tournament along Nigeria, Croatia, and Saudi Arabia.

[3] Following a 6-0 loss to Saudi Arabia, Guatemala defeated Croatia 1-0 to advance to the Round of 16, where they were eliminated by losing 0-1 to Portugal.

The following table shows Guatemala's head-to-head record in the FIFA U-20 World Cup.