Nicaragua vs Costa Rica Prediction & Betting Tips (6 September)

The curtain rises on Group C of the CONCACAF World Championship 2026 qualifiers with a compelling clash between Nicaragua and Costa Rica at the Estadio Nacional in Managua. For Nicaragua, this marks a historic moment—their first appearance in the final round of World Cup qualifying. Under the guidance of Marco Antonio Figueroa Montero, La Azul y Blanco have shown flashes of resilience, particularly in their second-round campaign where they posted three clean sheets in four matches. Jaime Moreno, the team’s talisman, netted three goals in that phase and now sits second on Nicaragua’s all-time scoring chart. With Byron Bonilla and Miguel Rodríguez anchoring the midfield and defense respectively, Nicaragua will aim to defy the odds and rewrite their long-standing struggles against Los Ticos.

Costa Rica, meanwhile, enter the fray with the swagger of a seasoned contender. Led by newly appointed head coach Gustavo Alfaro, the Ticos are chasing their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance. Alfaro, who previously steered Ecuador to the 2022 finals, brings a wealth of tactical acumen and a winning pedigree. His squad is stacked with experience and emerging talent—Orlando Galo and Alonso Martínez are both on the cusp of reaching 25 international caps, while Galo’s three-goal haul in the second round underscores his growing influence. Costa Rica breezed through their group with a perfect record, outscoring opponents 17-1, and their historical dominance over Nicaragua—13 wins in their last 14 meetings—adds another layer of confidence.



Recent form, however, suggests a more nuanced narrative. Nicaragua have won two of their last three home fixtures, conceding just once in that span, and their 1-0 victory over Guyana in June was a testament to their defensive discipline. Costa Rica, though unbeaten in CONCACAF play this year barring a friendly loss to the USA, have shown occasional vulnerability, failing to win their last two regional contests. The psychological weight of past encounters may favor Costa Rica, but Nicaragua’s hunger and home advantage could tilt the balance in unexpected ways. With Moreno chasing a milestone and Alfaro still embedding his philosophy, the match promises tactical intrigue and emotional intensity.

Our prediction leans into the tension: a 2-1 victory for Costa Rica. While Nicaragua are likely to find the net—perhaps through Moreno’s clinical finishing—the depth and composure of Costa Rica should ultimately see them through. Expect a tightly contested affair, with the hosts pressing early and the visitors responding with measured control. In a game where history meets ambition, the final score may reflect both the evolution of Nicaragua’s footballing journey and the enduring quality of Costa Rica’s setup.

• Summary: Nicaragua is going head to head with Costa Rica starting on 6 Sept 2025 at 02:00 UTC at Nicaragua National Football Stadium stadium, Managua city, Nicaragua. The match is a part of the World Cup Qual. CONCACAF Gr. 3 .