Costa Rica defeats Nicaragua to keep pace for World Cup berth | OneFootball

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica — The Final Round of the Concacaf Qualifiers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued with Costa Rica earning a 4-1 win against Nicaragua in Group C on Monday at Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica in San José, Costa Rica.

The hosts got on the board first, in the 12’, as Manfred Ugalde’s header into the box set up Alonso Martínez perfectly for the strong finish.

Nicaragua found an equalizer in the 26’, when Junior Arteaga received a low cross from Bancy Hernández and, despite slipping, was able to beat Keylor Navas.

The moment was short-lived as Los Ticos jumped back ahead two minutes later, as Kendall Watson’s headed down a corner kick and Martínez pounced on it to record his brace.

Costa Rica extended the lead in 49’ as Martínez forced the keeper into a bad turnover and Ugalde took advantage of the mistake with an easy shot into the empty net.

Francisco Calvo put a stamp on the night with a magnificent bicycle kick in the 90’+4’.

With the victory, Los Ticos move into second place in Group C with six points. Costa Rica is now on an eight-match win streak at home against Nicaragua and a 16-match unbeaten streak against Central American opposition in World Cup Qualifiers (13-3-0).

Nicaragua remains in fourth place with one point.

Costa Rica will resume its World Cup qualifying campaign on November 13 against Haiti. Nicaragua will host group leaders Honduras on the same day.