Honduras

What to expect

Honduras are making their 16th appearance at the Gold Cup only having missed one final in 2002. They made the final in 2002 and have been semi-finalists in 2009, 2011 and 2013. They are a very proud footballing nation and have a strong and vocal supporter base in the US that expects their team to be better than they have shown in recent years. With the changing of the old guard this could be their time but the are in the group of death with Gold Cup royalty, never-say-die Haiti and invitees Qatar who made the semi-finals of the Gold Cup in 2021 but have a point to prove following a poor home World Cup in 2022. Nothing less than quarter finals will satisfy the Hondurans – they will be aiming for a semi-final at least. They do see themselves as contenders.

Players to watch

Veteran defender Maynor Figueroa and midfielder Boniek Garcia are among those stepping aside for the younger generation, striker Romell Quioto is injured and not in the squad. Honduras’ talisman is forward Alberth Elis who this Gold Cup is fit, committed and brings attacking quality to the team. Locals fans are predicting this will be the breakthrough tournament for CD Olimpia forward Jorge Benguche.

At the back, goalkeeper Luis ‘Buba’ López is Honduras’ saves leader in CNL play and comes off a World Cup qualification campaign in which he made a number of superb stops.

Head Coach

Head Coach Diego Vazquez (pictured) took over as interim coach in 2022 and now has the job full time. He was a legendary goalkeeper with F.C. Motagua where he also began his management career in 2013, winning the national title in the 2014-15 season. He holds the record of more than 300 consecutive games leading a Honduran Liga Nacional club as coach. Although relatively unknown outside of Central America he could be a star in the making as he brings through a younger generation.

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Schedule:

Group B: Mexico, Haiti, Honduras, and Qatar

Sunday, June 25, 2023: 8:00 PM (7:00 PM) Mexico vs Honduras – NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

Thursday, June 29, 2023: 7:45 PM (4:45 PM) Qatar vs Honduras – State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ

Sunday, July 2, 2023 – 9:00 PM (9:00 PM) Honduras vs Haiti – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

Squad