Honduras

Honduras are a team on the rise and would have been in the Nations League final four if they had held on to their lead in the closing minutes of the quarter final against Mexico, eventually losing on penalties.

What to expect

The Hondurans are desperate to return to the top tier of Concacaf competitions and have their sights set on qualifying for the expanded 2026 World Cup. Participation in the Copa America 2024 would be a huge step in terms of team preparation for that goal.

Honduras have qualified for the World Cup three times, in 1982,2010 and 2014, but have never advanced beyond the group stage.

For the Copa America play-in they are short on numbers, having about 10 key players that would have been automatic or close to automatic selections missing due to red cards, accumulations of yellow cards and injuries. Striker Arthur Elis and Choco Lozano are huge gaps to fill.

For the play-in game they have a squad with 18 of the 23 drawn from the Honduran top tier.

But they are not without bite. The Olimpia stikeforce of Michaell Chirinos and veteran Jerry Bengston can do some damage. They also have played in the Costa Rican league with Saprissa so know what they are up against.

These two sides met in the 2021 CNL Third-Place Match in which Honduras won in the penalty shootout 5-4 after a 2-2 draw. They have played each other 64 times, with Costa Rica leading the all-time series 22W-24D-18L.

Players to watch

Deybi Floris, who plays in the MLS for Toronto FC, is a rock in midfield while Olimpia’s Andy Najar will bring solidity to the defence.

The star of the team will be Inter Miami’s David Ruiz (above) who can be dangerous on the right wing and is their biggest hope in terms of creating chances for a forward line that does not have an outstanding scoring record.

Manager

Colombian Reinaldo Rueda Rivera first took charge of Honduras in January 2007, and led the team to qualification for the 2010 World Cup, but after criticism of his tactics as the team exited the World Cup at the group stage he stepped down. He returned in 2023.

He rejoins having previously been in charge of Colombia and Chile before them. His CV also include Ecuador’s national team. Hi clubs sides have included Brazilian giant Flamengo.

Schedule

March 23 – vs Costa Rica, Toyota Stadium, Frisco, Texas, 6.15pm kick off

Squad