The 2026 Concacaf U-20 Championship serves as a crucial qualifier for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, with the tournament winner also securing a spot in the 2028 Summer Olympics. El Salvador, placed in Group A alongside the United States, Cuba, and Haiti, commences its campaign on July 25.

Sporting Kansas City II midfielder Johann Ortiz earned a call-up to the El Salvador U-20 National Team for this significant tournament, hosted in Puebla and Mexico City. Ortiz, a product of the Sporting Kansas City Academy, signed his first professional contract with Sporting KC II in March. He has been a vital player for SKC II, leading the team in assists in 2025 and making substantial contributions this season. Ortiz is currently in Mexico with El Salvador, undergoing preparation camps and playing friendlies against Tlaxcala FC and CF Pachuca, as the team aims for World Cup and Olympic qualification.