The history of the costa rica national football team, its best players, and its path to the 2026 World Cup
This is La Sele, the name of Costa Rica’s national football team.
They have become one of the best teams in Central America. For example, they won the FIFA World Cup by surprise and have produced world-class football players.
The team’s past, its best players, and what lies ahead for Costa Rica as it tries to make it to the 2026 World Cup are all talked about in this article.
In the beginning of Costa Rican football
In Costa Rica, football became more famous in the early 1900s. The first official game for Costa Rica’s football team was in 1921, and they beat El Salvador 7-0.
An early win like this set the tone for a long and proud football history. Costa Rica became one of the best teams in Central America over the next few decades.
They played in area tournaments all the time and built a strong football culture with teams from Deportivo Saprissa and Liga Deportiva Alajuelense.
The first World Cup was held in Italy in 1990.
In 1990, Costa Rica played in its first FIFA World Cup. A lot of people didn’t think the team would do well, but they shocked everyone.
During the group stage:
The score was 1-0 for them.
Brazil beat us 1-0.
Then they beat Sweden 2-1.
To make it to the Round of 16, Costa Rica did really well for a country that was playing in its first World Cup.
The tournament was a proud time for Costa Rica because it showed they could play with the best teams in the world, even though they lost to Czechoslovakia.
Appearances at the World Cup
It was the last time Costa Rica played in a World Cup after 1990. But they came back strong in the 2000s:
2002 (Japan and Korea) – Group Stage
Group Stage in 2006 in Germany
Top result in 2014 (Brazil) (Quarterfinals)
2018 in Russia: Group Stage
2022 (Qatar): Group Stage
Even though some games were tough, the World Cup in Brazil in 2014 was the best.
Brazil 2014: The Great Moment
In 2014, Costa Rica was put in a tough group with Italy, Uruguay, and England, all of whom had won the World Cup before. No one thought Costa Rica would make it through the group.
But they shocked everyone:
Won 3-1 against Uruguay
Won 1-0 against Italy
English and Wales tied 0-0.
Ranked first in the group with 7 points
They then beat Greece on penalties in the Round of 16 and made it to the Quarterfinals. They played well enough to tie the Netherlands 0-0, but lost in penalties.
This tournament got a lot of attention around the world and is known as Costa Rica’s biggest football win.
The most important people in Costa Rica’s history Over the years, Costa Rica’s national football team has had some really great players. Take a look at the stars who made the biggest difference:
Keylor Navas is the goalkeeper.
No one else could have done better than Navas at the 2014 World Cup. Costa Rica made it to the playoffs thanks to his great saves.
He later joined Real Madrid and won several Champions Leagues with them. People all over the world know Navas and think he is one of the best goalkeepers ever.
Is Bryan Ruíz a midfielder?
During the best years for Costa Rica, Ruíz was the leader. He was in charge of the team because he was cool and good at passing. In 2014, he made important goals in the World Cup and became a hero to the whole country.
Joel Campbell (Going Forward)
Campbell played for teams like Arsenal and was an important part of the 2014 and 2018 teams. He was quick and strong. With his speed and skill, Costa Rica was able to hit quickly and catch them off guard.
New Gen: Stars on the Rise to Keep an Eye On As the older stars start to leave the sport, younger players are coming up to lead Costa Rica forward.
Bennett and Jewison
Bennette has been on the national team for a long time even though he is only 20 years old. At the 2022 World Cup, he got a goal. He is known for being quick and sure of himself.
Bryan Aguilera a young playmaker who can see well and pass the ball well. One of Costa Rica’s best hopes for the future is Aguilera.
John Anthony Contreras
A strong striker who works hard and makes it hard for defense. Many people think that Contreras is an important part of Costa Rica’s attack.
How to Get to the 2026 World Cup
The USA, Canada, and Mexico will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will have 48 teams instead of 32. This makes it more likely for teams from CONCACAF, like Costa Rica, to make it.
Gustavo Alfaro is the new coach.
Gustavo Alfaro is a new teacher from Argentina that Costa Rica hired not long ago. He is known for putting together strong teams, like when he helped Ecuador get into the 2022 World Cup.
When Alfaro thinks about:
Strong defense
Working together
A lot more chances for young players
They want to go back to the World Cup with a better team that has the right mix of young and old players.
Football and What It Means to Costa Rica
Football is more than just a game in Costa Rica; it’s a way of life. Everyone in the country watches La Sele play. The streets are empty. The schools end early. Folks in red, white, and blue crowd around the TV.
Kids wish they could be the next Keylor Navas. No matter the score, fans cheer with all their hearts. There is nothing in the country that pulls people together like the national team.
The Costa Rica national football team has a bright future because the country backs them and new players are coming up.
Thoughts for Now
The Costa Rican national football team stands for faith, heart, and hard work. It has shown the world what it can do many times, from the shocking win in 1990 to the magic of 2014.
Fans are now getting ready for 2026 and think that another great moment is on the way. Anything is possible when you have young stars, smart coaches, and the government behind you.
But don’t give up on Costa Rica. The world will be watching as La Sele rises again.
