Mon Oct 13 23:10:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the AFP report about the Concacaf World Cup qualifying matches:

**High Stakes Clash: Honduras and Haiti Face Off in World Cup Qualifier**

**TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras** – A crucial Concacaf World Cup qualifying match is set to take place in Tegucigalpa on Monday, with Honduras hosting Haiti in a highly anticipated showdown. Both teams currently lead Group C with five points each, making this match pivotal in their quest for a direct spot in the 2026 World Cup.

Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda emphasized the significance of the game, stating, “Let’s prepare because it will be a difficult match. We will have a very, very good opponent.” Rueda acknowledged Haiti’s strengths, highlighting the European experience of many of their players. He stressed the importance of Honduras maintaining possession and playing with high intensity to counter Haiti’s advantage.

Meanwhile, in San José, Costa Rica, *Los Ticos* are gearing up to host Nicaragua. Costa Rica’s coach, Miguel “Piojo” Herrera, conveyed a sense of urgency. “We have obligations, and we will go out with that, with the obligation to win,” Herrera told reporters. He added that his team will be aggressive from the start, aiming for a high-scoring victory to improve their goal difference, which could prove crucial for qualification.

After three matches, Haiti holds a slight edge over Honduras in Group C due to a superior goal difference. Costa Rica sits third with three points, followed by Nicaragua with one.

With the United States, Canada, and Mexico automatically qualified as hosts, this Concacaf qualifying cycle presents a significant opportunity for other nations to secure a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup. The top team from each group automatically qualifies, with the best two runners-up entering a playoff for two additional spots.

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