Miguel ‘Piojo’ Herrera, head coach of Costa Rica’s national soccer team, led the final training session ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifying match against Honduras. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 at 7:06 p.m. in the INS Stadium.
Herrera is considering significant changes to the starting lineup and formation. Costa Rica is expected to switch from its usual five-defender system to a back line of four. Keylor Navas will start as goalkeeper, with Kendall Waston and Juan Pablo Vargas as central defenders. Haxzell Quirós will play on the right and Joseph Mora on the left.
Carlos Mora was initially considered for right back but was injured in a previous match against Haiti. In midfield, Orlando Galo and Celso Borges are set to start, while Josimar Alcócer will take on playmaking duties.
The attack will see Manfred Ugalde return after his stint with Spartak Moscow in Russia. He may be joined by Álvaro Zamora or Warren Madrigal, along with Anthony Hernández, who has been included in the starting eleven following Alonso Martínez’s knee injury that is expected to keep him out for nine months.
Kliver Gómez, right back for Puntarenas FC and former teammate of Hernández, said: “Anthony is very skillful, he can take players one-on-one, he’s fast and powerful, he can score goals. He’s a fighter who always wants more and that has taken him far.” Gómez added: “I think he can make a difference. In Liga he always shows up in important games; look at the Central American Cup. A player like Anthony got Alajuelense into the Central American final and already scored against Honduran teams at club level.”
Costa Rica must win against Honduras to keep hopes alive for direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup or an intercontinental playoff spot next March. If Costa Rica wins and Haiti does not beat Nicaragua, Costa Rica would qualify directly with nine points—surpassing both Honduras (8) and Haiti (either 9 if they draw but with an inferior goal difference or 8 if they lose).
If direct qualification fails but Costa Rica beats Honduras, there remains a chance for one of Concacaf’s two intercontinental playoff spots depending on other results: Guatemala must defeat Surinam with a favorable goal difference combination for Costa Rica or Panama must lose to El Salvador—a less likely scenario given Panama’s strong record.
The match between Costa Rica and Honduras will be broadcast live on Canal 6 and Canal 7 television channels. Radio coverage is available through Columbia (98.7 FM), Monumental (93.5 FM), and Teletica Radio (91.5 FM).
Fans attending the game have been advised by the Federación Costarricense de Fútbol (Fedefútbol) to arrive early to avoid congestion at entrances and ensure smooth access using digital tickets with QR codes ready alongside valid identification documents. Inside the stadium, spectators should locate their assigned sections promptly and identify emergency exits.
Security personnel will manage crowd flow throughout entrances and corridors; fans are asked to follow all official instructions during their visit. Attendees are reminded not to bring prohibited items such as glass bottles, fireworks or pyrotechnics, weapons of any kind, alcoholic beverages, umbrellas with pointed tips, large bags or backpacks, lasers or megaphones, coins or any objects that could compromise safety.
