The final day of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers was full of emotion. Panama, Curacao, and Haiti secured their direct spots in the 2026 World Cup. Jamaica and Suriname will go to the intercontinental play-offs. Among those eliminated, Honduras stands out. Reinaldo Rueda was visibly upset after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Honduras' qualification was in their own hands. The national team needed a win against Costa Rica to secure their place. However, Rueda's men could only manage a draw at the National Stadium. After the match, Rueda faced the media at the post-match press conference. The Colombian coach knew he had everything in his favor to qualify, but the final result ultimately gave Suriname the playoff spot. Through tears, Rueda apologized for the failure.

“Good evening everyone… I'm sorry, but I think this is a tough moment. I think today football has taught us a lesson in humility, that matches have to be played before they're won, that perhaps we did a good job, but it wasn't enough, with a very competitive group. What an irony that we were eliminated by one goal; it's difficult, isn't it?” said the South American coach.

Why Honduras was eliminated

The Honduran national team finished its participation in the Concacaf Qualifiers with 9 points. In Group I, Honduras had a record of 2 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss. These results were enough to finish second in their group, but they did not qualify for the intercontinental play-offs.

In addition to the three direct berths to the World Cup, Concacaf awarded two play-off spots to the two best second-place finishers in the qualifiers. Jamaica earned the first qualifying spot, and Suriname secured the second. Despite the "Suriboys" having the same number of points and goal difference as Honduras, Suriname advanced based on goals scored. Honduras was eliminated by a single goal.