Haiti vs Costa Rica: Who will prevail in the battle for second place?
In the fifth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Haiti will face Costa Rica. The match will take place overnight on Friday, November 14, with kickoff scheduled for 3:00 CET. Here’s a preview and a suggested bet for this fixture.
Haiti vs Costa Rica: Match preview
Haiti entered World Cup qualifying from the second round, where they collected nine points from four matches to advance to the third round. They began this stage with a 0–0 draw against Honduras and a thrilling 3–3 draw against Costa Rica. In the third round, Haiti earned a convincing 3–0 away victory but then fell 0–3 to Honduras. As a result, they now have five points after four games with a goal difference of 6–6.
Costa Rica, meanwhile, had a flawless run in the second qualifying round, taking the maximum 12 points from four matches to progress as group leaders. Their start to the third round, however, has been less consistent: three consecutive draws — 1–1 against Nicaragua, 3–3 with Haiti, and 0–0 versus Honduras — followed by a dominant 4–1 win over Nicaragua. After four rounds, Costa Rica sit second in the table with six points.
This leaves Haiti and Costa Rica separated by just one point — five and six respectively — trailing Honduras by three and two points. With only a single point between them, this head-to-head clash could prove decisive in the fight not only for second place but possibly for first as well.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Costa Rica are unbeaten in their last four matches: three draws and one win.
- In their previous five games, Haiti have recorded two losses, two draws, and one victory.
- Costa Rica have failed to win in their last four away fixtures.
- Costa Rica boast the second-best attack in the third round of World Cup qualifying with eight goals.
- The previous encounter between these teams ended in a 3–3 draw.
Probable lineups
- Haiti: Placide; Arcus, Metusala, Thermoncy, Experience; Casimir, Jean Jacques, Bellegarde, Etienne; Pierrot, Nazon
- Costa Rica: Navas; Quiros, Calvo, J. Vargas, Waston, Mitchell; K. Vargas, Alcocer; Galo; Ugalde, Martinez
Prediction
A crucial, high-stakes encounter for both sides. Expect attacking football from start to finish as each team looks for a vital win. The recommended bet: both teams to score.
