Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
On Wednesday, June 25, in the third round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage, Honduras will face off against Curaçao. Here’s my pick for the winner of this match.
Key facts and head-to-head history
- This is only the third time in history that Curaçao has played in the final stage of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.
- Previously, Curaçao made it to the playoffs just once.
- Honduras has reached the playoffs of this tournament eight times in its history.
- Only one of Honduras’ last five matches has seen more than two goals scored.
- This will be the fourth-ever meeting between these national teams. Curaçao leads the head-to-head with two wins to one.
Match preview
Honduras arrived in the United States as a team expected to fight for a playoff spot in a group that also features Curaçao, Canada, and El Salvador. So far, Honduras is living up to that billing, sitting second after two rounds.
However, the tournament started in disastrous fashion for Honduras. Reinaldo Rueda’s side were thrashed by Canada 0-6, a humiliating defeat that cast major doubts over their tournament ambitions. But Honduras bounced back in the next match, beating El Salvador 2-0.
In World Cup 2026 qualifying, Honduras cruised through their group and will battle Haiti, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica for a direct ticket to the finals.
For Curaçao, this small island nation is enjoying its golden era. Curaçao is ranked 90th in the FIFA rankings—a fantastic achievement for them. A key factor is the presence of Dutch-based players from the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie who have Curaçaoan roots. Legendary coach Dick Advocaat has taken the helm.
In the Gold Cup so far, Curaçao remains unbeaten. In their opener, Advocaat’s men nearly snatched a win over El Salvador but settled for a 0-0 draw. In their next game, Curaçao sensationally salvaged a draw against Canada (1-1), with a dramatic equalizer deep into stoppage time. With two points, Curaçao sits third in the group and must win to advance to the playoffs.
Like Honduras, Curaçao topped their group in the second round of World Cup qualifying and will face Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Bermuda in the crucial final round.
Probable lineups
- Honduras: Menjívar; Crisanto, Maldonado, Martínez, Rosales; Flores, Arriaga; Quioto, Álvarez, Rodríguez; Benguché
- Curaçao: Room; Brenet, Gaari, Eijma, Floranus; Komnenencia, Roemeratoe; Margarita, Antonisse, Gorré; Locadia
Honduras vs Curaçao match prediction
This Curaçao squad looks extremely well-balanced, boasting quality players in every line. At the same time, Honduras’ clash with Canada exposed massive defensive issues. My pick: Curaçao to win this match.
