Haiti Faces Costa Rica in Crucial Matchup
The upcoming matchup between Haiti and Costa Rica is a pivotal moment in the Final Round of the Concacaf Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is scheduled to take place on Thursday at Stadion Ergilio Hato in Willemstad, Curaçao.
Match Overview: Haiti vs. Costa Rica
Haiti enters this crucial encounter with a record of 1 win, 2 losses, and 1 draw in the qualifiers. Recently, they suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Honduras, placing them third in Group C with a total of five points. Duckens Nazon, a key player for Les Grenadiers, is leading the team in scoring with six goals.
Costa Rica’s Performance
Costa Rica, on the other hand, currently holds second place in Group C with six points, having secured 1 win and 3 losses so far. Their last outing was a strong performance against Nicaragua, where they won 4-1. In this match, Alonso Martínez scored twice, while teammates Manfred Ugalde and Francisco Calvo also contributed goals. Notably, Ugalde leads all players in assists during the qualifiers, boasting six assists to his name.
Historical Context
This match will mark the second encounter between Haiti and Costa Rica in this qualifier series. Their first match on September 9 ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, indicating the competitive spirit between the two teams. Overall, this will be their 17th meeting, with Costa Rica holding a historical advantage. They have won eight times, while Haiti has only secured one victory. Additionally, there have been seven draws between the two nations.
Key Matchup Statistics
- Haiti: 1-2-1 record, 5 points in Group C
- Leading Scorer: Duckens Nazon (6 goals)
- Recent Match: Lost 0-3 to Honduras
- Costa Rica: 1-3-0 record, 6 points in Group C
- Leading Scorer: Alonso Martínez (2 goals against Nicaragua)
- Recent Match: Won 4-1 over Nicaragua
- Leading Assists: Manfred Ugalde (6 assists)
This match is not just about points; it symbolizes a critical opportunity for both teams. Haiti seeks redemption and a push toward the top of Group C, while Costa Rica aims to capitalize on their recent success and cement their place atop the standings.
