The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in CONCACAF heat up as Honduras vs Costa Rica in a crucial third-round Group C clash on Thursday, October 9, 2025. Set at Estadio Francisco Morazán in San Pedro Sula, this match kicks off at 10:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. local time), with both teams vying for vital points in their quest for a spot at the expanded World Cup hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Honduras leads the group and aims to extend their unbeaten run, while Costa Rica seeks their first win in this phase to climb the standings.
The October FIFA World Cup qualification Window match, Honduras vs Costa Rica live stream, score predictions, lineups, or a preview, this guide covers everything you need for this high-stakes CONCACAF qualifier.
Honduras vs Costa Rica Match Overview and Context
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This encounter is part of the third round of CONCACAF’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where 12 teams are divided into three groups of four. Each team plays six matches (home and away) from September to November 2025.
The group winners qualify directly for the World Cup, while the two best runners-up advance to inter-confederation playoffs. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, CONCACAF has six automatic spots plus two playoff berths up for grabs.
Honduras, under coach Reinaldo Rueda, is chasing their first World Cup appearance since 2014. Costa Rica, managed by Miguel Herrera, is aiming for a fourth consecutive finals berth but has struggled early in this round.
Historically, Costa Rica holds the edge, winning the last two meetings and unbeaten in Honduras since a 1-0 loss in October 2013. Expect a tense, tactical battle in front of a passionate home crowd at the 34,000-capacity Estadio Francisco Morazán.
Current Standings in CONCACAF Third Round Group C
As of October 9, 2025 (before matchday 3), Group C standings are as follows (updated to matches played on September 9, 2025):
| Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honduras | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 4 |
| 2 | Costa Rica | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| 3 | Haiti | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| 4 | Nicaragua | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | -2 | 1 |
Honduras tops the group after a 2-0 win over Nicaragua and a draw in their opener. Costa Rica has drawn both matches (1-1 vs. Nicaragua and 3-3 vs. Haiti), sitting level on points with Haiti but ahead on goal difference.
Honduras vs Costa Rica Match Preview
Honduras enters with strong defensive form, yet to concede in this phase and boasting four consecutive clean sheets in qualifiers.
They’ve been unbeaten at home in qualifying and have lost just once this year when scoring first. Of their 14 goals in the second and third stages, 11 came in the first half, highlighting their early dominance.
Rueda, who led them to the 2010 World Cup, has engineered a resilient side unbeaten in three straight competitive matches against Central American teams, conceding just once.
Costa Rica, however, has been the surprise underperformers. They’ve netted first in both qualifiers but failed to hold leads, drawing both.
On a four-match winless run across all competitions, they’ve scored one or fewer goals in two of their last three away games.
Despite this, their resilience shines through, often fighting back, and they’ve not lost in normal time since May. Herrera’s men will look to exploit Honduras’ potential complacency in this regional rivalry.
Honduras vs Costa Rica Team News and Possible Lineups
Honduras Team News
Five players could make their senior debuts: Nayrobi Vargas, Leonardo Posadas, Denis Meléndez, Deyron Martinez, and Luis Ortiz.
Key scorers from matchday two, Romell Quioto and Alexy Vega, are expected to feature, with goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar anchoring the defense after two clean sheets.
Possible Honduras Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1):
- Menjivar; Najar, F. Flores, Santamaria, Rosales; D. Flores, Arriaga; Quioto, Benguche, Palma; Lozano
Costa Rica Team News
Changes from matchday one included Julio Cascante and Kenneth Vargas starting over Francisco Calvo and Brandon Aguilera.
Goal heroes Kenneth Vargas, Alonso Martinez, and Juan Pablo Vargas (stoppage-time equalizer vs. Haiti) are in form. Veteran Keylor Navas remains a rock in goal.
Possible Costa Rica Starting Lineup (5-3-2):
- Navas; C. Mora, Calvo, Gamboa, J. Vargas, J. Mora; K. Vargas, Galo, Borges; Ugalde, Martinez
Honduras vs Costa Rica Prediction
This matchup could be decided by fine margins, with Honduras’ solid defense clashing against Costa Rica’s comeback spirit. Honduras has the home advantage and better form, but Costa Rica’s recent success in this fixture tips the scales.
Prediction: Honduras 1-2 Costa Rica. The Ticos’ resilience and historical edge could secure their first win of the round.
How to Watch Honduras vs Costa Rica FIFA World Cup Qualifications 2026
- Date and Time: Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT
- Venue: Estadio Francisco Morazán, San Pedro Sula, Honduras
- TV and Streaming (USA): Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network, or stream on fuboTV and YouTube TV
- Global Options: FIFA+ (select regions), beIN Sports (Middle East/North Africa), or local broadcasters like Teletica (Costa Rica) and Canal 5 (Honduras)
- Live Scores and Updates: Follow on ESPN, Sofascore, or Flashscore for real-time stats and highlights
For free streams or VPN options, check official CONCACAF channels, but always use legal sources to support the sport.
Honduras vs Costa Rica Conclusion
Honduras vs Costa Rica is a pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifier that could shape Group C’s outcome. With Honduras eyeing consolidation at the top and Costa Rica desperate for points, expect goals and drama. Stay tuned for live updates, post-match analysis, and more on CONCACAF qualifiers, including scores, highlights, and predictions. Don’t miss this Central American showdown—tune in tonight!
