Guatemala soccer
Guatemalan footballer Carlos Ruiz (R) and teammates train at the Proyecto Gol in Guatemala City on March 22, 2016. Guatemala will face the US on March 25 in a FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 qualifier. JOHAN ORDONEZ/AFP/Getty Images

Two of Guatemala's best soccer players are joining the national team for Tuesday night's crucial World Cup Qualifier game against the U.S. after being held back in the Central American country. Carlos Ruiz and Hamilton Lopez have been cleared to travel to the U.S., where Guatemala will face off the U.S. national team at the Mapfre Stadium in Columbus, OH. The announcement was made Monday by the National Football Federation of Guatemala known as FedefutGuate.

According to FOX Sports, both athletes were prevented from traveling due to legal issues. Ruiz was "accused of not paying his rent" and Lopez was "given a special status to travel for the match."

Both Guatemalan players started Friday's 2-0 win over the United States men's national soccer team, with Ruiz, the country's all-time leading scorer, scoring the second goal. After Guatemala's big win Friday, former German soccer player and head coach of the USMNT, Jurgen Klinsmann, said Tuesday night's World Cup 2018 qualifier match is a must-win for his team.

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