World Cup History
Costa Rica has participated in six World Cups: Italy 1990, USA 1994, Germany 2006, Brazil 2010, Qatar 2022, and 2026 is expected to be the seventh. Their greatest achievement was Brazil 2014, where under Jorge Luis Pinto, they won Group D which included Uruguay, Italy, and England, then eliminated Greece on penalties in the Round of 16, before falling to the Netherlands in the quarterfinals also on penalties.
That 2014 performance placed Costa Rica on the world football map forever. At Qatar 2022, they eliminated Japan in the second group match but did not advance to the second round. The memory of 2014 remains the benchmark by which Los Ticos are measured.
Key Players
Keylor Navas
Goalkeeper 路 Newell's Old Boys
Costa Rican football legend and three-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid. Navas is the most successful goalkeeper in Central American history, and his participation in 2026 would be an honorable farewell for the greatest.
Anthony Contreras
Forward / Winger 路 Alajuelense
The new promise of the Costa Rican attack. Contreras brings pace and directness to Los Ticos' play, being one of the most unbalancing players of the new Costa Rican generation.
Gerson Torres
Winger / Attacking Midfielder 路 Herediano
A technical and creative winger who represents the new face of Costa Rican football. Torres has the quality to make a difference with the ball at his feet at key moments in the match.
Yeltsin Tejeda
Defensive Midfielder 路 Pumas UNAM
The veteran defensive midfielder has been Costa Rica's shield for years. Tejeda brings experience, intensity, and system knowledge that makes the team function as a cohesive unit.
Joel Campbell
Winger / Forward 路 Club Sport Herediano
Veteran of the memorable Brazil 2014, where he was one of the figures of the historic Costa Rican team. If called up, Campbell brings World Cup experience that can make a difference for younger players.
Path to Qualification
Costa Rica qualified for the 2026 World Cup through the CONCACAF qualifying process. The Tico team has demonstrated consistent qualifying ability in recent cycles, though each time the competition with Mexico, the United States, Honduras, and Panama means the ticket doesn't come without enormous effort.
Costa Rica always bases its qualification on solid defense and the key performances of its goalkeepers, especially Keylor Navas when available. Their style is more conservative than the attacking teams in the region, but has proven effective in securing the necessary points.
Match Schedule
Costa Rica's matches at the 2026 World Cup will be confirmed by FIFA after the official draw. Check back soon for the complete schedule with dates, venues, and times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Costa Rica's best result at a World Cup?
Costa Rica's best result was the quarterfinal at Brazil 2014, where they topped the group with Uruguay, Italy, and England, eliminated Greece on penalties in the Round of 16, and fell to the Netherlands also on penalties in the quarterfinals. It was the greatest achievement in Central American football history.
Is Keylor Navas the greatest player in Costa Rica's history?
Yes, Keylor Navas is widely considered the greatest player in Costa Rican football history. His career at Real Madrid, where he won three consecutive Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018), makes him the most successful Costa Rican in European club football history.
How many times has Costa Rica participated in a World Cup?
Costa Rica has participated in six World Cups: Italy 1990, USA 1994, Germany 2006, Brazil 2010, Brazil 2014, and Qatar 2022. 2026 would be their seventh historic appearance.