There are already 42 teams directly qualified for the upcoming World Cup. On Tuesday morning, UEFA determined its first 12 qualified teams, while later that night it was Concacaf’s turn to wrap up its qualifiers.

With a new format due to the World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams, Concacaf had three direct tickets to the tournament (plus the host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States) and two additional spots for the inter-confederation playoff.

Will Honduras, Costa Rica, and Jamaica play the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The Concacaf Qualifiers for the next World Cup surprised everyone. Panama, Curacao, and Haiti have advanced directly to the international competition, with Curacao making their debut in the tournament and Haiti qualifying for the second time.

The biggest surprises were related to Costa Rica, Honduras, and Jamaica. Costa Rica and Honduras have been completely eliminated from contention, while Jamaica still has a small chance of making it.

Costa Rica finished third in Group C behind Haiti and Honduras. La Sele was unable to dominate as expected, with Mexican coach Miguel Herrera facing heavy criticism over the team’s poor performance.

Honduras held their fate in their own hands but were unable to defeat Costa Rica. Even though they finished with the same points and goal difference as Suriname, the latter scored more goals—this became the decisive factor for Suriname to claim the better second-place spot.

As for Jamaica, there is still light at the end of the tunnel. While they were unable to secure direct qualification, they finished as one of the two best second-place teams across the three groups, earning a place in the inter-confederation playoff with Suriname.

The pre-match scenario was complex. Costa Rica needed a victory and had to surpass rivals in the other groups on goal differential to secure a spot in the play-offs. Honduras, meanwhile, were hoping to secure the final playoff place.

However, little action occurred in the Estadio Nacional, and the match ended in a 0-0 draw, that proved fatal for Honduras. Suriname ultimately claimed the final playoff spot, finishing with the same point total as Honduras, but securing the advantage based on having scored nine goals throughout the qualifiers compared to only five from Honduras.

In the final reckoning, Panama, Curacao, and Haiti achieved direct qualification, while Suriname and Jamaica earned the right to contest the play-offs for a chance to enter the prestigious tournament.

[Watch Costa Rica vs Honduras online in the US on Paramount+]

This matchup headlines the final day of CONCACAF Qualifiers, with two proud Central American programs—each boasting multiple World Cup trips—colliding in a true win-or-go-home showdown. Honduras enters knowing three points would keep them clear unless Haiti delivers a lopsided result.

Meanwhile, Costa Rica faces even tighter margins as only a victory keeps their campaign alive, with Haiti’s outcome determining whether they finish atop the group or slide into second. Every scenario funnels into the same reality: the stakes couldn’t be higher.

When will the Costa Rica vs Honduras match be played?

Costa Rica will receive Honduras this Tuesday, November 18, for Matchday 6 of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers third round. The match is set to kick off at 8:00 PM (ET). Follow our liveblog of Costa Rica vs Honduras!

Costa Rica vs Honduras: Time by State in the USA

ET: 8:00 PM
CT: 7:00 PM
MT: 6:00 PM
PT: 5:00 PM

How to watch Costa Rica vs Honduras in the USA

The CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Costa Rica and Honduras will be available for viewers in the USA via Paramount+.

[Watch Haiti vs Costa Rica online in the US on Fubo]

It’s a high-stakes showdown between two contenders battling for a top spot in World Cup qualifying. Costa Rica, armed with experience on the sport’s biggest stage, is determined to secure another trip to the tournament, but their path has grown more complicated.

Sitting in second place with six points, Los Ticos face a crucial test against a resurgent Haiti side that has been the surprise package of the group with five points. The Haitians may be underdogs, but a win here would be massive for their World Cup dreams—and they’re ready to give it everything.

When will the Haiti vs Costa Rica match be played?

Haiti play against Costa Rica this Thursday, November 13, for Matchday 5 of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers third round. The match is set to kick off at 9:00 PM (ET).

Haiti vs Costa Rica: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Haiti vs Costa Rica in the USA

The CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Haiti and Costa Rica will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: Paramount+, Universo, Telemundo, CBS Sports Golazo, CBS Sports Network and TeleXitos.

[Watch Costa Rica vs Nicaragua online in the US on Fubo]

Costa Rica’s World Cup qualifying campaign has gotten off to a shaky start, with three straight draws dropping the group favorite into second place and putting pressure on them to finally deliver a win.

The Ticos need all three points against a desperate Nicaragua side fighting to stay alive after a crushing 3-0 loss to Haiti. For Nicaragua, another setback would all but end their hopes of advancing, making this matchup a must-win battle for both teams.

When will the Costa Rica vs Nicaragua match be played?

Costa Rica play against Nicaragua this Monday, October 13, for Matchday 4 of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers third round. The match is set to kick off at 10:00 PM (ET).

Costa Rica vs Nicaragua: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 PM
CT: 9:00 PM
MT: 8:00 PM
PT: 7:00 PM

How to watch Costa Rica vs Nicaragua in the USA

The CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Costa Rica and Nicaragua will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options are Paramount+, Universo, Telemundo, Amazon Prime Video and CBS Sports Network.

[Watch Costa Rica vs Nicaragua live in the USA on Fubo]

The team led by Herrera drew 1-1 with Nicaragua in September during Matchday 1 — a result that felt like a loss for the Ticos, considering their rivals equalized despite playing with ten men following Jason Coronel’s red card. Now, Costa Rica will look to take control and climb up the standings as the qualifying stage reaches its decisive stretch.

What makes this situation even more frustrating is that Mexico, the United States, and Canada are not participating in the qualifiers as co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup. That made this edition appear to be a more accessible path for Costa Rica. However, the team failed to pick up a win in the first round and now face Nicaragua once again in a must-win clash.

Nicaragua, meanwhile, have recorded one draw (against Costa Rica) and two defeats (to Haiti and Honduras) so far in the qualifiers, leaving them bottom of the group and desperate to turn things around. Historically, Costa Rica have dominated this Central American rivalry. The two teams have met 14 times, with the Ticos winning 12 and drawing 2. That means Nicaragua have never managed to defeat Costa Rica in their history.

Costa Rica expected lineup vs Nicaragua

Costa Rica head coach Miguel Herrera will be without defender Alexis Gamboa and midfielder Orlando Galo, both suspended for yellow-card accumulation after the goalless draw against Honduras on Thursday.

Expected Costa Rica starting XI: Keylor Navas; Carlos Mora, Kendall Waston, Juan Pablo Vargas, Francisco Calvo, Joseph Mora; Aaron Murillo, Allan Cruz; Josimar Alcocer, Manfred Ugalde, Alonso Martinez.

Nicaragua expected lineup vs Costa Rica

Following their 3-0 defeat to Haiti, head coach Marco Figueroa announced squad changes due to poor performances from several players. Adjustments are expected, as Nicaragua must win to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Expected Nicaragua starting XI: Miguel Rodriguez; Justin Cano, Henry Nino, Oscar Acevedo, Emmanuel Gomez, Josue Quijano; Jason Coronel, Junior Arteaga, Juan Barrera; Ariel Arauz, Ariagner Smith.

[Watch Honduras vs Costa Rica live now in the USA on Fubo]

Reinaldo Rueda’s Honduras currently sits atop the group with four points, after opening with a scoreless draw against Haiti and following it up with a 2–0 win over Nicaragua.

On the other hand, Miguel Herrera’s Costa Rica will be looking to rebound after a difficult start to the qualifying campaign. They have two points so far — a 1–1 draw against Nicaragua in their opener, despite playing much of the second half a man down, and a 3–3 draw with Haiti, where they let a 2–0 lead slip away.

Under the format, the top team from each of the three groups, plus the two best second-place teams, will earn direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. That makes tonight’s match vital for both sides: Honduras aim to solidify first place, while Costa Rica seek their first win to climb to the top of the table.

Probable lineup for Honduras

Reinaldo Rueda will be without three players for tonight’s match: Denil Maldonado (Rubin Kazan), David Ruiz (Inter Miami) and Dixon Cruz (Real España), all sidelined due to injury.

Expected starting XI for Honduras: Edrick Menjivar; Andy Najar, Getsel Montes, Julian Martinez, Joseph Rosales; Deiby Flores, Jorge Alvarez; Romell Quioto, Edwin Rodriguez, Luis Palma; Anthony Lozano.

Probable lineup for Costa Rica

Costa Rica head coach Miguel Herrera could be without veteran midfielder Celso Borges, who has been training separately while recovering from a muscle injury. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Keylor Navas sustained a minor ankle knock but is expected to start.

Expected starting XI for Costa Rica: Keylor Navas; Carlos Mora, Julio Cascante, Alexis Gamboa, Juan Pablo Vargas, Joseph Mora; Kenneth Vargas, Orlando Galo, Manfred Ugalde, Josimar Alcocer; Alonso Martinez.

[Watch Honduras vs Costa Rica online in the US on Fubo]

Tension will be sky-high in one of the marquee clashes of the CONCACAF Qualifiers as Honduras and Costa Rica square off in a battle that could define Group C. Honduras enters in strong form after a crucial win over Nicaragua, sitting atop the group with four points and looking to solidify their lead.

Costa Rica, on the other hand, is still chasing its first victory after back-to-back draws, including a frustrating home result against Haiti that nearly ended in defeat. With qualification hopes hanging in the balance, the Ticos can’t afford anything less than three points in what promises to be a fiercely contested showdown.

When will the Honduras vs Costa Rica match be played?

Honduras play against Costa Rica this Thursday, October 9, for Matchday 3 of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers third round. The match is set to kick off at 10:00 PM (ET).

Honduras vs Costa Rica: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 PM
CT: 9:00 PM
MT: 8:00 PM
PT: 7:00 PM

How to watch Honduras vs Costa Rica in the USA

The CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Honduras and Costa Rica will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options are Paramount+, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo, Amazon Prime Video and CBS Sports Golazo.

[Watch Nicaragua vs Costa Rica online in the US on Fubo]

Costa Rica, long considered one of CONCACAF’s powerhouses, open their World Cup qualifying campaign with the expectation of topping its group and securing a direct ticket to the tournament. Despite some uneven results in recent years, the Ticos remain a tough, battle-tested side that has consistently performed on the regional stage.

Their first challenge comes against Nicaragua, a team that has earned back some respect in recent years and is eager to prove it belongs in the fight. While Nicaragua may not yet be on par with the region’s elite, it enters this matchup determined to test Costa Rica and chase a statement result in the push for qualification.

When will the Nicaragua vs Costa Rica match be played?

Nicaragua take on Costa Rica this Friday, September 5, for Matchday 1 of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers third round. The match is set to kick off at 10:00 PM (ET).

Nicaragua vs Costa Rica: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 PM
CT: 9:00 PM
MT: 8:00 PM
PT: 7:00 PM

How to watch Nicaragua vs Costa Rica in the USA

The CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Nicaragua and Costa Rica will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options are Paramount+, Universo, DirecTV Stream, Peacock Premium.

[Watch USA vs Costa Rica live for FREE in the USA on Fubo]

The United States enter the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s top contenders, alongside Mexico, after finishing the group stage with a perfect record—three wins from three matches, highlighted by a dominant 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago.

Despite their strong form, the Americans face a tough challenge against a Costa Rica squad that impressed during group play, particularly with their disciplined defensive performance against Mexico. While the USA are the favorites, this matchup promises to be a hard-fought battle.

When will the USA vs Costa Rica match be played?

USA play against Costa Rica on Sunday, June 29, in the Gold Cup 2025 quarterfinals. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM (ET).

USA vs Costa Rica: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch USA vs Costa Rica in the USA

The 2025 Gold Cup clash between USA and Costa Rica will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo (free trial). Fans can also catch the action on FOX, Univision, TUDN, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, ViX.

From the opening whistle, Mexico dominated possession and dictated the tempo, patiently working the ball through midfield in search of openings. Despite their control, El Tri struggled to penetrate Costa Rica’s organized defense and were repeatedly denied by Navas’ acrobatic saves. Costa Rica, meanwhile, relied on quick counterattacks and maintained solid defensive discipline to frustrate their opponents.

The intensity of the match grew as both teams fought hard in midfield, with physical challenges and tactical battles shaping much of the action. Costa Rica received several yellow cards amid rising tensions, and Mexico’s final passes often lacked the precision needed to break down the resilient Ticos.

As the match wound down, Mexico ramped up the pressure in search of a late winner. Santiago Giménez found the back of the net in the dying moments, only to have the goal ruled out for offside. The 0-0 result means both teams earn valuable points and advance in the tournament, but the match was defined by Navas’ heroics and the fine margins that kept the score even.