The breakthrough arrived in the 17th minute when Kaku Romero Gamarra converted a penalty to give Paraguay an early advantage. The hosts doubled their lead before halftime after a brilliant run from Gustavo Gómez, who carried the ball through Nicaragua’s lines before setting up Miguel Almirón for a composed finish in the 41st minute. Paraguay’s dominance continued after the break, with Matías Galarza making it 3-0 in the 62nd minute before Alexandro Maidana capped the scoring five minutes later with Paraguay’s fourth goal of the night.

The second half further highlighted the gap between the two sides. Paraguay maintained control of possession, created several additional chances, and never allowed Nicaragua back into the contest. With the convincing 4-0 victory secured, the Paraguayans leave the international window with momentum and confidence as they continue building toward their World Cup campaign, while Nicaragua departs with valuable lessons against one of South America’s most competitive national teams.

South Africa will play in Group A against Mexico, Czechia, and South Korea in the 2026 World Cup. They were the better side throughout the game, but they couldn’t overcome Nicaraguan goalkeeper Adonis Pineda’s massive game. However, besides that, the Bafana Bafana just missed big opportunities.

As for Nicaragua, they didn’t qualify to the 2026 World Cup. However, they showed a solid defense and a very reliable goalkeeper to count on. Offensively, they had little to no chance to create goalscoring opportunities. It still is a historic result for a nation that usually gets trumped in the world stage.

No major absences have been reported for either side. Russia is expected to rotate slightly but still maintain a strong attacking structure, while Nicaragua will likely rely on discipline and defensive compactness to manage the match.

Russia’s recent results have shown mixed form, while Nicaragua comes in with a more defensive identity, emphasizing structure over attacking volume. This contrast sets up an intriguing tactical battle despite the lack of historical meetings between the two teams.

Russia confirmed lineup

The confirmed Russia lineup lines up in a 4-3-3 built on attacking width and ball control: Safonov; Morozov, Litvinov, Paltsev; Fomin, Prutsev, Beveev, Umyarov; Tyukavin, Sadulaev, Gladyshev.

Nicaragua confirmed lineup

Nicaragua will line up with a confirmed starting XI in a compact 4-3-3 built on defensive stability: Pineda; Acevedo, Reyes, Cano, Martinez; Montes, Barrera, Lopez; Bonilla, Garcia, Rivera.

Venezuela had already secured its spot in the quarterfinals, but Acuña remained locked in on the game against Nicaragua. His performance helped the team secure its third win in Pool D and maintain momentum heading into one of the tournament’s biggest rivalry games.

“That’s part of my game,” Acuña said, according to MLB.com. “Sometimes I can hit a homer, sometimes I can steal a base, sometimes I can play defense. I can do it all.”

Acuña emphasizes key to beating Dominican Republic

With the win secured, attention now turns to Venezuela’s clash with the Dominican Republic national baseball team. The rivalry matchup will determine the next stage of the tournament, and Acuña believes controlling emotions will be crucial.

“It is important to manage the anxiety, the adrenaline,” Acuña said. “We’re going to have 40,000 people here at the stadium. There is a classic rivalry between both countries and we hope to win. We just have to control our emotions.”

[Watch Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20 live in the USA on Fubo]

The group stage reaches its boiling point as teams fight to punch their tickets to the knockout rounds. After a stunning 14-0 blowout of the Virgin Islands, a high-octane Canada U20 squad looks to carry that offensive fire into its finale.

They face a Nicaragua U20 side seeking redemption and consistency following a 2-0 shutout loss to Aruba. With qualification on the line, both programs are desperate to close the opening round with a statement win.

When will the Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20 match be played?

Canada U20 face Nicaragua U20 in the Matchday 5 of the 2026 CONCACAF U20 Championship this Wednesday, March 4, with kickoff set for 8:00 PM (ET).

Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20: 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 Canada U20 vs Nicaragua U20 in the USA

Catch this 2026 CONCACAF U20 Championship clash between Canada U20 and Nicaragua U20 live in the United States on Fubo. Other options: Fox Sports 2, FOX One.

[Watch Martinique U20 vs Nicaragua U20 live in the USA on Fubo]

The CONCACAF U20 Championship remains one of the region’s top stages for emerging talent, giving young prospects a chance to prove they belong on the international scene. While Nicaragua U20 and Martinique U20 aren’t considered tournament favorites.

Both view this matchup as a key opportunity to strengthen their national programs. With Martinique looking to make their best and Nicaragua aiming to seize momentum, this showdown could spotlight the next generation of impact players.

When will the Martinique U20 vs Nicaragua U20 match be played?

Martinique U20 face Nicaragua U20 in the Matchday 2 of the 2026 CONCACAF U20 Championship this Thursday, February 26, with kickoff set for 8:00 PM (ET).

Martinique U20 vs Nicaragua U20: 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 Martinique U20 vs Nicaragua U20 in the USA

Catch this 2026 CONCACAF U20 Championship clash between Martinique U20 and Nicaragua U20 live in the United States on Fubo. Other options: Fox Soccer Plus, FOX One.

[Watch Haiti vs Nicaragua online in the US on Paramount+]

Haiti enters a pivotal showdown with a legitimate shot at reaching the World Cup for the first time since their iconic 1974 appearance, riding the momentum of a gritty 1-0 win over Costa Rica that pushed them to eight points—level with Honduras but trailing on goal difference.

Honduras still has business to handle against Costa Rica, keeping Haiti firmly in the hunt, and the Haitians now turn their focus to a Nicaragua side coming off a strong 2-0 win over Honduras, a result that boosted pride but not their qualification hopes as they close out the campaign playing only for formality.

When will the Haiti vs Nicaragua match be played?

Haiti will face Nicaragua 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).

Haiti vs Nicaragua: 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 Haiti vs Nicaragua in the USA

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

Before the match began, Honduras were the clear favorites to secure the victory, entering as group leaders against a Nicaragua squad that sat at the bottom of the table with only one point.

However, the home team struck early, scoring in the 11th minute with a great goal from Bancy Hernandez that threw the Honduran teams off balance. The visitors pushed for an equalizer in the second half, but Jaime Moreno scored the second goal in the 82nd minute, sealing the match.

This defeat is a harsh blow for Honduras, who arrived at the contest with a chance to secure direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup but failed to capitalize. Their destiny will now be determined in their final group match when they visit Costa Rica on November 18th.

For Nicaragua, despite securing a valuable victory, the squad managed by Marco Antonio Figueroa have officially been eliminated from the race for 2026 World Cup qualification. Following Haiti’s victory over Costa Rica in a parallel match, Nicaragua no longer have a chance to qualify, even as one of the best second-place teams.

[Watch Nicaragua vs Honduras online in the US on Fubo]

Honduras stands on the brink of a historic moment, with a potential return to the World Cup within reach this Matchday. A win, coupled with a draw between Costa Rica and Haiti, would clinch the top spot for the Catrachos and seal their long-awaited qualification.

Standing in their way is Nicaragua, fighting to stay alive in the race. The Nicaraguans must earn a victory and hope for a stalemate in the other matchup to keep their dreams intact, knowing this could be their last shot at survival.

When will the Nicaragua vs Honduras match be played?

Nicaragua face Honduras 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).

Nicaragua vs Honduras: 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 Nicaragua vs Honduras in the USA

The CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers matchup between Nicaragua and Honduras will be available for viewers in the USA via Fubo. Other options: Paramount+, Universo and Telemundo.

[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.