Qualifiers Heat Up: Nicaragua, Panama, and Costa Rica Secure Wins in 2026 World Cup Pursuit
Several Central american and Caribbean nations advanced their bids for teh 2026 FIFA World Cup during recent Concacaf qualifying matches. Nicaragua, Panama, and Costa Rica all emerged victorious, bolstering their positions in the qualifying rounds. These early results are crucial as teams vie for limited spots in the expanded 48-team tournament. The ongoing qualifiers determine which nations from the region will represent Concacaf on the world stage, with implications for national pride, economic impact thru tourism, and development of the sport within each country.
In Guatemala City, panama defeated guatemala 3-2 in a high-scoring Group A encounter at El Trébol Stadium. Cecilio Waterman led the way for Los Canaleros with two goals in the 30th and 44th minutes. Guatemala responded with goals from Arquímides Ordóñez (69′) and Rudy Muñoz (72′), but José Fajardo sealed the win for Panama with a 78th-minute strike.
Meanwhile, Nicaragua achieved a significant 2-0 victory over honduras at the Nicaraguan National Soccer Stadium in Group C. Bancy Hernández opened the scoring in the 12th minute, assisted by Jaime Moreno, and Moreno added a second goal in the 82nd minute, assisted by Junior Arteaga.
Elsewhere, the Costa Rica national team arrived in Curacao ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Haiti, taking a walk through the Ergilio Hato Stadium upon arrival.
