Costa Rica is gearing up for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Haiti on Thursday. Currently positioned second in their qualifying group, La Sele aims to secure an automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup by overtaking first-place Honduras. However, they face a formidable challenge from Haiti, who are just one point behind them, lying in third place.
Costa Rica’s World Cup Aspirations
To improve their standings, Costa Rica must first defeat Haiti. Winning this match is essential before they face Honduras at home. The stakes are high, and both teams are vying for a place in the prestigious tournament.
Haiti’s Football Heritage
Situated in the Caribbean, Haiti shares the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic. It has a vibrant football history, being a member of FIFA since 1934 and a founding member of CONCACAF in 1961. Haiti’s peak came in the 1970s, highlighted by their only CONCACAF Gold Cup victory in 1973 and their participation in the 1974 World Cup.
Recent Performance and Challenges
After a period of turmoil, including political instability, Haiti has shown signs of revival. They reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 and are currently ranked 88th in the FIFA standings. Haiti plays their home matches in Willemstad, Curaçao, due to ongoing domestic issues.
Key Players for Haiti
- Johny Placide: Captain and goalkeeper.
- Hannes Delcroix: Defender playing in the Premier League.
- Duckens Nazon: All-time leading goalscorer with 44 goals and four in the current qualifiers.
Costa Rica’s Team Setup
Under the management of Miguel Herrera, Costa Rica utilizes a 5-3-2 formation. Following a resounding 4-1 win against Nicaragua, Herrera may keep a similar lineup. However, talismanic striker Manfred Ugalde will not start due to a late arrival.
Possible Starting 11
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Navas |
| Defender | Quirós, Watson, Vargas, Calvo (C) |
| Midfielder | Mora, Galo, Borges, Alcocer |
| Forward | Martínez, Madrigal |
Historical Context
In their last match, the teams played to an exciting 3-3 draw, with Costa Rica’s Juan Pablo Vargas equalizing late in the game. Historically, Costa Rica holds a strong record against Haiti, winning eight of their 17 encounters.
Match Details
The kick-off is scheduled for 22:00 UTC−4 at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. As the qualifying rounds wind down, this match is highly anticipated, with both sides desperate to secure their World Cup dreams.
¡Vamos Costa Rica!
