Suriname brought back down to earth: 'Mexico still too strong for us'

Suriname dreams of making history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, an ambitious goal for a national team that has long been on the periphery of international football.

While the road to qualification is still long, the team has shown glimpses of growth and determination under the leadership of head coach Stanley Menzo. Between World Cup qualifiers, Suriname also participated in the 2024 edition of the CONCACAF Gold Cup   a prestigious regional tournament that serves both as a test and a learning experience for developing sides. Unfortunately, their campaign was cut short after just two group-stage matches, leaving them without a single point and mathematically eliminated.

Their early exit, while disappointing, has allowed the national team to shift its attention back to the all-important World Cup qualification campaign. The next phase kicks off in September and presents Suriname with both a challenge and an opportunity. They are placed in a competitive group alongside Panama, El Salvador, and Guatemala   three teams with more established footballing traditions in the region. However, only the group winner will secure a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Despite the optimism surrounding their long-term project, there are still major questions about Suriname’s readiness to compete at the highest level. That reality became painfully clear in their Gold Cup match against Mexico. Speaking at the post-match press conference, coach Stanley Menzo didn’t sugarcoat his analysis. “Sometimes you have to acknowledge that an opponent is simply better, stronger, and further ahead than you,” he said. “And there’s no shame in that when you're playing against Mexico.”

Mexico, a dominant force in CONCACAF for decades, showcased their class in a match where Suriname held on for long stretches but ultimately fell short at the critical moments. Menzo pointed out that although his side didn’t give away many clear-cut chances, the goals they conceded came at key times   particularly from set pieces. “You don’t give away too much, but there are always moments where you have to be present,” he explained. “And precisely in those moments   set pieces   we weren’t there. Then you concede two goals, and the chances we had, we didn’t take. That’s the big difference.”

Despite the defeat and tournament elimination, Menzo praised the spirit and effort shown by his players. "I’m happy with the effort from my players," he added. "But right now, Mexico is simply still too strong for us." His words reflect a coach who understands both the gap that still exists and the path forward. Menzo, a former goalkeeper for Ajax and the Dutch national team, has been working diligently to professionalize the Surinamese setup, introducing more structure, scouting, and tactical discipline.

The current squad features a mix of locally based talent and diaspora players from European leagues   particularly from the Netherlands, where many Surinamese players are born or trained. This dual identity gives the team potential, but also presents challenges in terms of cohesion and preparation time.

Looking ahead, Suriname’s performance in the World Cup qualifiers will be the true measure of their progress. Finishing ahead of teams like Panama, who qualified for the 2018 World Cup, and El Salvador or Guatemala   both historically strong in Central America   will require consistency, smart tactical play, and individual brilliance at key moments.

Their Gold Cup campaign may have ended in disappointment, but it served an important purpose: exposing flaws, highlighting areas for improvement, and grounding the team in the reality of what it takes to compete with the elite. For Suriname, the dream is still alive   but turning that dream into a World Cup appearance will demand more than talent. It will require belief, preparation, and a level of execution they have yet to fully display on the regional stage.

Gold Cup Group Standings (Final):

Mexico – 2 games, 6 points (+3)

Costa Rica – 2 games, 6 points (+2)

Dominican Republic – 2 games, 0 points (−2)

Suriname – 2 games, 0 points (−3)

Suriname’s next challenge begins in September, and the goal is clear: finish top of the group, or the dream of 2026 may be over before it truly begins.