Thrilling Draw in Costa Rica vs. Haiti World Cup Qualifier

In a gripping encounter on September 9, 2025, Costa Rica and Haiti played to a 3-3 draw in the Final Round of the Concacaf Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Nacional in San José, Costa Rica. The match showcased a dramatic shift in momentum, with both teams displaying resilience and skill.

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Costa Rica started strong, with Kenneth Vargas scoring just one minute into the match. Alonso Martínez doubled the lead in the 35th minute, putting the hosts in a commanding position at halftime. However, Haiti's all-time leading scorer, Duckens Nazon, responded with a hat trick, leveling the score with a penalty rebound, a stunning bicycle kick, and a backheel goal in the 86th minute. Costa Rica salvaged a point with a late equalizer from Juan Pablo Vargas in stoppage time.

Nazon hat-trick, Ugalde equalizer headline thrilling draw between Costa Rica and Haiti

The draw left both teams with one point in Group C, where all four nations—Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, and Nicaragua—are tightly contested. Costa Rica had previously drawn 1-1 against Nicaragua, while Haiti held Honduras to a goalless stalemate. The group winner will qualify directly for the World Cup, while the second-place team will enter intercontinental playoffs.

Costa Rica vs. Haiti: How to watch in the U.S., TV channelTico TimesNazon hat-trick, Ugalde equalizer headline thrilling draw between Costa Rica and HaitiCosta Rica Faces Must-Win Clash Against HaitiCosta Rica vs Haiti prediction and betting tips 10 September 2025Final Round of World Cup Qualifiers highlights This Week in Concacaf

Costa Rica's head coach, Miguel Herrera, emphasized the need for mental strength following the match. He noted, “We played well for 65 minutes, but we didn’t manage the end right. These qualifiers demand maturity.” Meanwhile, Haiti's federation called for national unity, highlighting the historic opportunity to qualify for their first World Cup since 1974.

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Despite the thrilling nature of the match, criticism arose regarding Costa Rica's inability to maintain their lead. Former player Rolando Fonseca targeted captain Francisco Calvo for his comments on the narrowing gap between teams, urging players to step up for their families and dreams. Fonseca warned that failure to secure a win could jeopardize their chances in the qualifiers.

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Both teams will look to improve their standings in the next round of qualifiers. Costa Rica will face Honduras on October 9, while Haiti will visit Nicaragua on the same day. The stakes remain high as each team aims to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Final Round of World Cup Qualifiers highlights This Week in Concacaf

• “We played well for 65 minutes, but we didn’t manage the end right. These qualifiers demand maturity. Haiti will come to win, and so must we.” — Miguel Herrera, Head Coach of Costa Rica

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• “If you don’t win tomorrow, pack your things and go home.” — Rolando Fonseca, Former Costa Rican Player

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This match not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the Concacaf qualifiers but also set the stage for an exciting continuation of the tournament as teams vie for a coveted spot in the World Cup.

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