Costa Rica salvaged a dramatic 3-3 draw against Haiti at the National Stadium in the second matchday of Group C in the final round of the Concacaf qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The result leaves La Tricolor with two points from two matches, trailing Honduras, level with Haiti, and just ahead of Nicaragua. Only the group winner earns a direct ticket to the tournament, leaving little room for error.
The start was promising for Miguel “Piojo” Herrera’s side. In the very first minute, Manfred Ugalde stole the ball and assisted Kenneth Vargas, who finished with a low shot to make it 1-0. The high pressing and home dominance paid off again in the 35th minute, when Vargas threaded a pass to Alonso Martínez, who scored with a strike between goalkeeper Josue Duverger’s legs.
However, Haiti came out strong in the second half. In the 55th minute, Joseph Mora conceded a penalty; Keylor Navas saved Duckens Nazon’s shot, but the rebound fell kindly for the striker to pull one back. Just three minutes later, Nazon leveled the score with a spectacular bicycle kick. The momentum shifted, and Haiti took control. In the 86th minute, Nazon completed his hat-trick after a flowing team move, making it 3-2 and silencing the stadium.
When defeat seemed inevitable, Juan Pablo Vargas rose in the 90th minute to head in a cross from Ugalde and secure the draw. While the goal avoided a historic setback, the fans voiced their frustration with chants calling for the coach’s departure.
Costa Rica’s next match will be on October 9 against Honduras in San Pedro Sula, a clash that could define their World Cup hopes.
