MATAO TO JOIN U.S. TERRITORY FRIENDLY

PRESS RELEASE – The Guam Men’s National Team, known as The Matao, is set to compete in the FIFA Series 2026 International Friendlies in San Juan, Puerto Rico, bringing together national teams from Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa for a series of international matches.

Hosted at Estadio Juan Ramón Loubriel, the tournament provides a valuable opportunity for emerging football nations to compete on the international stage, gain competitive match experience, and continue developing their national programs.

Guam will open the tournament against host nation Puerto Rico on March 25 at 8:00 p.m. AST, with a second match scheduled for March 28, where the opponent and kickoff time will be determined following the opening round of matches.

The FIFA Series serves as an important platform for Guam’s national team as they continue to build cohesion, develop young talent, and measure their progress against international competition.

Head Coach Ross Awa emphasized the team’s focus and determination heading into the tournament.

“The Matao is committed to delivering a strong performance in the FIFA Series 2026. We respect the opposition, and every match presents an opportunity to demonstrate our growth as a nation. As we face Puerto Rico in our first game, our goal is to compete for a positive outcome by playing with unity and determination. I believe in our team’s ability to represent Guam with pride on the international stage,”
said Awa.

The tournament will feature four teams representing different regions of the global football community:

• Guam
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• American Samoa

For Guam, the FIFA Series represents another step forward in continuing to elevate the island’s presence within the international football community while giving players the opportunity to showcase their talent
and represent the island with pride. The Guam Football Association encourages supporters at home and across the diaspora to follow the Matao’s journey as they take on international competition in Puerto Rico.

For more information about the Guam Football Association and its development programs, please visit
www.guamfa.com