Late Goal Sends Suriname to World Cup Playoffs, Eliminates Honduras
Guatemala City – A late own goal by Nicolás Samayoa in Guatemala’s 3-1 victory over Suriname dramatically altered the fate of Honduras in 2026 World Cup qualifying, sending the Caribbean nation to the intercontinental playoffs at the expense of Los Catrachos. The result, finalized November 19, 2025, eliminated Honduras despite a scoreless draw against Costa Rica.
The outcome hinged on goal difference,a tiebreaker after both Honduras and suriname finished the qualifying group with eight points. honduras held a +3 goal difference entering the final matches, while Suriname was at +2. However, Guatemala’s win initially appeared insufficient to change the standings.
Honduras needed a win against Costa Rica or a significant Suriname defeat. While Honduras failed to find the back of the net, Suriname conceded three goals to Guatemala. But as the Guatemala-Suriname match neared its conclusion, Samayoa’s own goal brought the final score to 3-1, shifting Suriname’s goal difference to +3 – equal to Honduras.
The tiebreaker then moved to total goals scored. Suriname finished the qualifying campaign with nine goals, while Honduras managed only five. This crucial difference secured Suriname a playoff spot, dashing Honduras’ World Cup hopes.
Suriname will join Jamaica in the intercontinental playoffs,vying for a place in the 2026 World Cup hosted by Mexico,the USA,and Canada. Panama, Curacao, and Haiti have already qualified directly from Concacaf.
