Rueda‘s Fortress: Honduras Coach Boasts Near-Impenetrable Home Record Ahead of Costa Rica Clash
TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras – Costa Rica travels to Honduras this Thursday facing not only a resolute opponent but a daunting historical trend: a Honduras side virtually unbeatable at home under the guidance of Reinaldo Rueda. As the Selección prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifying match at the Morazán Stadium, the statistics reveal a coach whose home record in qualifiers is nothing short of overwhelming, possibly instilling trepidation in the Costa Rican camp.
The looming duel carries added weight for Costa Rica, recalling their last goal scored on Honduran soil – a 1-1 draw at the Morazán Stadium during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, courtesy of Kendall Waston. Waston and veteran Celso Borges are again in the Ticos’ squad, but history favors the home side. Costa Rica hasn’t defeated honduras as a visitor in over two decades, their last victory coming in 2001 during qualifying for the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup (3-2, with goals from Wanchope, Fonseca, and Solís).
Rueda’s record as Honduras’ coach in home qualifiers paints a picture of dominance. During the qualifying campaign for South Africa 2010, Rueda led La H to a remarkable 8-1 record at home, including victories over Puerto Rico (4-0), jamaica (2-0), Canada (3-1), mexico (1-0 and 3-1), Trinidad and Tobago (4-2), El Salvador (1-0), and Costa Rica (4-0). Their only home defeat during that cycle was a 3-2 loss to the United States.
More recently, in the current qualifying cycle for 2026, Rueda has continued his winning ways, securing victories against Bermuda (6-1, June 2024), Antigua and Barbuda (2-0, june 2025), and Nicaragua (2-0, september 2025). This translates to an overall home qualifying record of 11 wins and just 1 defeat.
Key statistics underscore Rueda’s success: a 92% effectiveness rate, 7 clean sheets, an average of 2.83 goals scored per game, and a current three-game winning streak at home. With the support of their fans and Rueda’s proven ability to deliver results on home turf,Honduras aims to extend this impressive run and solidify their position in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
