At the Estadio Nacional in San José, on Wednesday, November 19, the final act of Group C of the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers takes place between Costa Rica and Honduras, a clash that puts crucial points on the line in the race for the 2026 World Cup. Going into the last matchday, the two national teams are separated by just two points: Honduras sits first, Costa Rica third. If they win, the Hondurans would secure direct qualification to the final stage—especially if Haiti (second, level on points) fails to beat Nicaragua or does not improve their goal difference enough. Costa Rica, for its part, only has one possible result to keep its hopes alive for first or second place (the latter granting access to the playoffs): they must win. With three teams packed within just two points, this decisive final matchday in Group C promises to be tense and dramatic: a final sprint that could overturn all balance and determine the fate of qualification for the next World Cup.

Costa Rica's recent form and key statistics

Costa Rica currently sit in third place in Group C with 6 points, the result of 1 win, 3 draws and 1 loss. In their most recent match, played on November 14, the Costa Ricans lost ground in the race for the top two spots, falling 1-0 away to Haiti.

Across the first five matches of Group C, the team coached by Herrera is the group’s highest-scoring side, averaging 1.6 goals per game. Their Achilles’ heel remains the defense, as they have conceded an average of 1.2 goals per match and have kept a clean sheet only once.

The Ticos have played two home matches in Group C, earning a draw against Haiti (3-3) and a win against Nicaragua (4-1). Despite collecting four points, they still conceded a total of 4 goals, showing some clear defensive weaknesses.

Honduras' recent form and key statistics 

Entering the final match of Group C at the top of the table with 8 points (2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss), Honduras has its destiny in its own hands. On November 14, however, the Hondurans failed to secure qualification early, unexpectedly losing 2-0 to Nicaragua, the bottom team in the group.

Despite leading the standings, Rueda’s team has scored only 5 goals, averaging exactly 1 per match. What has carried Honduras so far is its defensive solidity: they have conceded just two goals and have kept a clean sheet in four of their five matches.

Honduras has struggled in its first two away matches in Group C, drawing 0-0 with Haiti and losing 2-0 in Nicaragua. The worrying statistic is clear: they have yet to score away from home in this group, showing a serious lack of attacking effectiveness on the road.

Costa Rica vs Honduras prediction by BetMines

With the home advantage, Costa Rica enters the match as the clear favorite to take all three points against Honduras. Still, the feeling is that it will be a balanced match, much like the first leg, which ended 0-0 on October 10.

Considering the group’s best attack is taking the field, BetMines expects an exciting match with at least three total goals. Honduras’ defense, impeccable in the first four matches, showed cracks against Nicaragua, conceding twice—an indication that could influence how this match unfolds.

The Over 2.5 goals outcome, estimated at 53%, aligns with Costa Rica’s numbers, as they have hit this result in their last six home matches. The Costa Rican side is very attack-minded at home but also tends to concede opportunities. For this reason, the “both teams to score” bet also appears reliable.

Based on BetMines’ algorithm, the main prediction remains the home win (1), Costa Rica’s victory, estimated with a 59% probability.

Probable lineups Costa Rica vs Honduras

COSTA RICA (5-4-1): Navas; Quiros, Waston, J. Vargas, Gamboa, Calvo; Borges, Murillo, Martinez, Alcocer; K. Vargas. Coach: Herrera

HONDURAS (4-1-4-1): Menjivar; Najar, Montes, Vega, Rosales; Arriaga; O. Vega, D. Flores, Palma, Quioto; Benguche. Coach: Rueda