MIAMI – In a stunning upset that reverberated across the CONCACAF region, Suriname delivered a performance for the ages on Monday, September 9, 2025, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory against El Salvador in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. The historic triumph, achieved on hostile territory at Estadio Cuscatlán in San Salvador, not only marked Suriname’s first win over El Salvador since 1968 but also propelled them to the top of Group A in the CONCACAF Final Round of qualifying. The hard-fought win also brought to light troubling allegations of racist chanting from some home fans, casting a shadow over the jubilant celebrations for the visiting Surinamese squad.
The news of this result sends ripples through the sports world, particularly in the CONCACAF region where the journey to the World Cup is as fierce as it is captivating. For Suriname, a nation that has never graced the World Cup finals, this victory represents a monumental step towards realizing a decades-long dream. It’s a testament to their growing prowess and determination on the international stage.
A Match Defined by Late Drama and Historical Significance
The encounter between El Salvador and Suriname was a tightly contested affair, punctuated by moments of brilliance and the sting of an own goal. Suriname drew first blood in the 12th minute when Radinio Balker, a Dutch-born defender representing England’s Huddersfield Town, met a corner kick with a powerful header, giving the visitors a deserved early lead.
El Salvador, spurred on by a passionate home crowd, fought back. Their equalizer arrived in the 73rd minute, albeit in unfortunate circumstances for Suriname. A probing ball into the box by El Salvador’s Brayan Gil forced a desperate play from Suriname’s Anfernee Dijksteel, who inadvertently directed the ball into his own net, leveling the scoreline.
With the match seemingly headed for a draw, it was Dhoraso Klas who would etch his name into Surinamese football folklore. In the 81st minute, Klas unleashed a precise right-footed shot from the right flank that found the back of the net, clinching a momentous 2-1 victory for Suriname and sending shockwaves through the Estadio Cuscatlán.
This victory is particularly poignant for Suriname, ending a grueling 57-year wait for a win against El Salvador. Their head-to-head record against the Salvadorans had been overwhelmingly negative, with an eight-match winless streak preceding this fixture. This result not only breaks that streak but also marks only Suriname’s second-ever victory against El Salvador in eleven encounters, underscoring the magnitude of this achievement.
Suriname Ascends to Group A Summit
The CONCACAF qualification system for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, has seen a revised format. The Final Round consists of 12 teams divided into three groups of four, with each team playing a home-and-away round-robin schedule. The three group winners are guaranteed direct qualification for the World Cup, while the two best second-placed teams will advance to inter-confederation playoffs.
Following this pivotal win, Suriname now sits atop Group A with four points from two matches. Their campaign began with a goalless draw against Panama, followed by this significant away victory. El Salvador, who had secured an opening 1-0 win over Guatemala, now trail Suriname with three points. The group’s other match saw Panama and Guatemala play to a 1-1 draw, leaving both teams with two and zero points respectively. This result places Suriname in a commanding position as they look to build on this historic success.
A Shadow of Controversy Casts Over the Triumph
While the on-field performance was a cause for immense celebration in Suriname, the match was marred by disturbing allegations of racist chanting directed at the visiting players. Head coach Stanley Menzo and captain Shaquille Pinas openly voiced their dismay and anger following the game, calling out the behavior of some home supporters.
“You have to ask why your fans are shouting to my players, ‘negro’,” Menzo stated to reporters, expressing his disappointment. Pinas echoed these sentiments, suggesting that similar incidents had occurred in previous encounters in San Salvador, but the team had opted not to speak out then. “If you say negro, monkey, this kind of things, I think that’s not fun,” Pinas commented, highlighting the unacceptable nature of the abuse. These allegations underscore a persistent issue in football that CONCACAF and FIFA continue to address.
Looking Ahead: Suriname’s World Cup Dream Takes Flight
This remarkable victory injects immense confidence into the Surinamese camp as they navigate the challenging Final Round of World Cup qualifiers. The team, which has historically struggled to make its mark on the global stage, is now firmly in contention. Their participation in the final round marks their first appearance in this decisive stage since 1978, a statistic that underscores the significance of their current trajectory.
The performance of key players like Radinio Balker and the match-winning strike from Dhoraso Klas have been pivotal. Goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen also played a crucial role in securing previous results, including a clean sheet in their opening draw against Panama. The blend of experience and emerging talent, many of whom play in European leagues, has evidently created a formidable unit.
Suriname’s next crucial fixture will see them host Guatemala on October 10, where they will aim to consolidate their position at the top of Group A. Meanwhile, El Salvador will face the daunting task of bouncing back when they host Panama on the same day.
The journey for Suriname is far from over, but this historic win against El Salvador provides a powerful narrative of resilience, ambition, and the enduring spirit of a nation daring to dream of World Cup qualification. The news from San Salvador is a significant marker in the ongoing sports saga of CONCACAF, with Miami and other centers of football reporting on this momentous upset.
The coming months will reveal whether Suriname can sustain this momentum and write a new chapter in their football history. For now, the “Suri-boys” have given their nation reason to believe that the ultimate prize is within reach.
