The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued Thursday with dramatic consequences for hopeful nations in CONCACAF qualifying. Despite a scoreless draw against Costa Rica, Honduras‘s chances hinged on the outcome of a concurrent match between Suriname and Guatemala. In a stunning turn of events, a late own goal proved decisive, not in securing a guatemalan victory, but in unexpectedly lifting Suriname into a coveted playoff position-at the expense of Honduras and their hopes of reaching the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
A Late Own Goal Sends Suriname to World Cup Qualifying Playoff, Eliminates Honduras
The Honduras national team saw their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup dashed on Thursday, drawing 0-0 with Costa Rica. However, the point proved insufficient as attention turned to the concurrent match between Suriname and Guatemala, which ultimately decided Honduras’ fate.
How Suriname’s Goal Ended Honduras’ World Cup Dream
Honduras entered the match needing a win, or a significant victory for Guatemala over Suriname. Guatemala delivered a 3-1 victory, but a dramatic late twist sealed Honduras’ elimination.
Honduras finished their match with a goalless draw and a goal difference of +3. Suriname, despite losing 3-1 to Guatemala, held a +2 goal difference.
As the match at Estadio Manuel Felipe Carrera ‘El Trébol’ neared its conclusion, a late own goal by Nicolás Samayoa gifted Suriname a crucial consolation goal, shifting their goal difference to +3 and leveling them with Honduras. This forced a tiebreaker based on goals scored.
Suriname ended the qualifying campaign with nine goals scored, while Reinaldo Rueda’s Honduras side managed only five. This ultimately propelled the Caribbean nation into one of the two CONCACAF playoff spots for the intercontinental competition.
Panama, Curacao, and Haiti qualified directly for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Joining Suriname in the playoff round will be Jamaica.
