Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw
Best Odds: 11/1
Costa Rica and Honduras will lock horns with each other in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification this week.The CONCACAF third round Group C match between Miguel Herrera’s side and Reinaldo Rueda’s team will be held at the Costa Rica National Stadium in San Jose and is scheduled to kick off at 1am UK time on Wednesday.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica are just a step away from being eliminated from the 2026 World Cup finals next summer. Miguel Herrera’s side are struggling in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF third round.
Los Ticos are third in Group C with six points from five matches, two points behind Honduras and Haiti, who are first and second, respectively.
Former Costa Rica manager Jorge Luis Pinto said: ”I would like to talk about Costa Rica. Football is won with the ball at the feet.
“Costa Rica must improve its community and its ball possession. Likewise, their pressure advances, so that they do not allow so much counterattack, especially if they play with a line of five.
“The line of five is not to play backwards, it is to play forward when required; we did that in 2014.
“It’s going to be a game in which both teams will attack because they both need the three points, and that will leave a lot of spaces, so be careful. Good luck to both of you, and my love always.”
Team News:
Navas will be in goal for Costa Rica and will have Quiros, Waston, J. Vargas, Gamboa and Calvo in front of him in defence. Borges, Murrillo, Martinez and Alcocer will be deployed in midfield. K. Vargas will lead the line for Costa Rica.
Honduras
Honduras are just a step away from booking their place at the 2026 World Cup finals next summer. Reinaldo Rueda’s side have done well in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF third round so far and now need to hold their nerves to go through.
Los Catrachos are at the top of Group C with eight points from five matches. Honduras are level on points with second-placed Haiti and are two points clear of third-placed Costa Rica.
Rueda said ahead of the game: “We want a World Cup to close this race, we must play a perfect match and everything will go through that result.”
Team News:
Menjivar will be in goal for Honduras. Najar, Montes, Vega and Rosales will be the four defenders. Arriaga will be deployed in holding midfield. O. Vega, D. Flores, Palma and Quioto will feature in attacking midfield. Benguche will lead the line for Honduras.
Key Factors to Consider
- There have been 70 meetings between Costa Rica and Honduras, with the former winning 26 and the latter 19.
- Costa Rica have featured in the last three editions of the FIFA World Cup.
- Honduras last played at the World Cup in 2014.
- Costa Rica have the best offensive record in Group C with eight goals scored.
- Honduras have the best defensive record in Group C with two goals conceded.
Conclusion
While Honduras have done better than Costa Rica, the latter are the home team and will fancy all three points from this Group C game. However, it is very likely that this particular game will end in a draw.
Prediction: Match to end in 1-1 draw
Best Odds: 11/1
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