Despite Team USA's valiant effort, Guatemala's strong offensive play proved to be the difference. The team connected seamless passes with strategic runs, finishing with confidence. Midfielder Daroulin Ávila contributed to the attack by assisting on several goals and delivering accurate passes that consistently found her teammates while bypassing defenders, helping Guatemala maintain its momentum throughout the match.
"Winning is always amazing, but mostly I'm very excited to have the opportunity to represent my whole country and champion the sport I’ve known since birth."
From a neighbourhood pitch in Santa Cruz Naranjo to Paris 2026, Daroulin has carried a lifelong love of football—along with the memory of those who believed in her—every step of the way.
Before she was born, Daroulin’s father believed he was expecting another boy and had already bought football-themed onesies. Instead, to his joyous surprise, he welcomed his first daughter, who grew up loving the game just as much as him. Her three older brothers also played football, with her family passionately following the beautiful game as Guatemala’s national sport.
“I really feel like I was born into football. As a child, I would play on the local pitch just two houses away from my home. I loved playing alongside the boys in my neighbourhood, but I always dreamed of having an all-girl team—of being part of a squad where I wasn’t the only girl on the field.”
You Can Do It
That opportunity came in primary school through a friend and mentor. "I met Dulce in primary school. She saw my skill and encouraged the coach to give me a chance to play. Thanks to her, I joined the football programme and became part of the first girls' football team in my town."
Dulce passed away last December, but Daroulin says her friend's encouragement continues to give her strength. Today, Dulce's words still stay with her. "She always believed in me. Because of her, I've learned to be courageous, to overcome difficult moments and keep going. But most of all, whenever I feel like I can't do something, I remember her telling me, 'You can do it.'"
Girls Rule
The 19-year-old is no stranger to the international stage. In 2022, she traveled to Detroit for the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup, where Guatemala won the championship. She later took home gold with her team at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 and the 2024 Latin American Games in Asunción, Paraguay.
"Our team is unique. I think our communication is what makes us strong. We all have different skills and different personalities, but we support each other. If there's a life struggle we're going through or a mishap we made during a match, we talk about it together, openly and fairly."
Although Daroulin lives a little farther than some of her teammates, they remain a close-knit group. Between training camps and competitions, they keep in touch by messaging one another, sharing personal highs and lows. For her, those conversations and connections, the respect and care that develops for one another, are part of what makes Unified football special.
To The Future And Beyond
Ahead of Paris 2026, Daroulin has been practising hard, knowing her position is crucial to ensuring fluidity in gameplay. Known for her naturally stronger left foot play, she's hoping it can surprise her opponents and help Guatemala secure another deep run at first place.
Despite living and breathing football, Daroulin enjoys singing and playing the guitar, and wants to learn the piano. She is hopeful about her future too. To get to this Unified Football World Cup, Daroulin shared that there were many obstacles in her way and she didn’t quite know if she’d have the opportunity, despite her immense skill and passion.
“But I never gave up hope. I’m applying that same thought to my upcoming years. I hope to study Physical Therapy while continuing to play football, and in the future, I'd love to continue my studies in Europe, supporting my family as well, and fulfilling my dream of playing professionally in Spain."
For young people thinking about taking up football, Daroulin’s message is simple. "Dream big," she says. "But remember that dreams need dedication and perseverance. Keep working towards what you want."
Finishing up Day 2 strong, Team Guatemala defeated Namibia 1-0. Daroulin and her teammates return to the pitch at 8:00 a.m. CET on July 8 to face off against Azerbaijan. The Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026 continues with intense matches and action until the closing ceremony on July 11. Catch all the action, with matches available on the Veo Live App.
