The stage is set for a pivotal clash in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as Honduras and Nicaragua prepare to face off on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at Estadio Nacional Jose de la Paz Herrera—also known as Estadio Nacional Chelato Ucles—in Tegucigalpa. With both teams hungry for their first win of this qualifying round, the stakes couldn’t be higher. As the sun beats down on the Honduran capital, fans from both nations are bracing for a contest that could shape the trajectory of their World Cup dreams.
Coming into this match, both Honduras and Nicaragua find themselves with a single point apiece after their opening fixtures. Honduras played out a goalless draw away to Haiti last Friday, a result that extended their winless run in the final phase of World Cup qualification to a staggering 15 matches. Despite enjoying 56% possession, Honduras were fortunate to escape with a point, as their goalkeeper Edrick Menjivar was called upon to make seven crucial saves to keep the clean sheet. The offensive woes continued for La H, who have now managed just one goal in their last three matches, failing to find the net in their previous two outings.
Nicaragua, meanwhile, showed remarkable resilience in their opening match against Costa Rica. Despite being reduced to 10 men after Jason Coronel received a red card in the 54th minute, Los Pinoleros clawed their way back from a goal down. Alexis Gamboa put Costa Rica ahead on the hour mark, but Nicaragua responded with grit and determination, earning a penalty that Byron Bonilla coolly converted in the 81st minute. That draw was a testament to Nicaragua’s fighting spirit, especially considering Costa Rica are ranked 90 places above them in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
With all four teams in Group C locked on one point after the opening round, Tuesday’s encounter carries extra significance. Only the group winner will advance automatically to the World Cup, making every point—and every goal—absolutely vital. Honduras, currently ranked 66th in the world after climbing nine places in the most recent FIFA update, are determined to reassert their dominance at home. Nicaragua, sitting at 130th, also moved up three spots and are eager to make history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup.
Historically, Honduras have enjoyed overwhelming success in this fixture, boasting 18 wins from 21 head-to-head encounters. Nicaragua have managed just a single victory, with two matches ending in draws. The last time these sides met was in October 2020, when they played to a 1-1 draw—a match in which Nicaragua came agonizingly close to ending their decades-long drought against their neighbors. In fact, Nicaragua’s last win over Honduras dates all the way back to March 1965, a staggering 60 years ago. Since then, Honduras have been unbeaten in 14 straight meetings, outscoring Nicaragua 49-9 during that span.
Both teams’ recent form offers intriguing storylines. Honduras’ record before this match reads: Draw, Loss, Draw, Win, Win. Their struggles in front of goal have been well-documented, but their defensive solidity at home remains a source of pride. La H have won both of their second-round qualifiers in Tegucigalpa by a combined score of 5-1, and they have not lost at home in this stage of qualification. Coach Reinaldo Rueda will be hoping that home advantage and a passionate crowd can inspire his side to break their scoring drought and claim a crucial three points.
Nicaragua, on the other hand, have won just one of their last six matches, losing three and drawing two. Away from home, they are winless in their last four competitive fixtures, including a 3-0 defeat to Panama. However, Marco Antonio Figueroa Montero’s squad has shown flashes of promise, finding the net in three of their previous four games. Notably, Nicaragua have won their last nine matches across all competitions when scoring first—a remarkable statistic that underscores the importance of a strong start for Los Pinoleros. Still, they have only managed to open the scoring once this year, in a 1-0 win over Guyana in June.
Team news ahead of the match brings added intrigue. For Honduras, Alenis Vargas made his senior international debut against Haiti, replacing Romell Quioto in the second half, while Andy Najar celebrated his 60th cap. David Ruiz returned to the national team for the first time since September 2024, entering as a late substitute. Coach Rueda is expected to field a lineup featuring Menjivar in goal, with Najar, Santos, Martinez, Ruiz, Flores, Alvarez, Rosales, Benguche, Lozano, and Palma forming a blend of experience and youthful energy.
Nicaragua will be without Jason Coronel, who is suspended following his red card against Costa Rica. The spotlight will be on Juan Barrera, who is poised to become just the second player in Nicaraguan history to reach 100 international caps—a monumental achievement for the veteran midfielder. Byron Bonilla’s heroics against Costa Rica have propelled him to seventh place on Nicaragua’s all-time scoring list, with 41 goals to his name. Figueroa Montero is likely to start Rodriguez in goal, supported by Cano, Nino, Acevedo, Quijano, Montes, Arteaga, Lopez, Gomez, Barrera, and Smith.
The tactical battle will be fascinating to watch. Honduras’ defensive discipline and home-field advantage could prove decisive, especially given their history of keeping things tight at the back. Four of their last six matches have seen one side fail to score, and four of the last six head-to-head meetings have produced fewer than three goals. Nicaragua, meanwhile, will look to soak up pressure and strike on the counter, hoping to capitalize on set pieces or defensive lapses from their hosts.
Predictions from multiple sources suggest a 2-0 win for Honduras, with pundits expecting the home side’s experience and firepower to ultimately break down Nicaragua’s resistance. Still, after their spirited comeback against Costa Rica, Nicaragua will not be underestimated. As the players take to the field, the sense of anticipation is palpable. Will Honduras finally end their winless streak in decisive fashion, or can Nicaragua pull off a historic upset and keep their World Cup hopes alive?
With both teams desperate for victory and the group standings finely poised, fans can expect a tense, hard-fought encounter under the lights in Tegucigalpa. As the whistle blows, all eyes will be on the pitch to see which nation takes a giant step toward football’s grandest stage.
