- Costa Rica are unbeaten away from home in FIFA World Cup Qualification - CONCACAF Group C 2026 (D2) and have conceded just 0.5 goals per game on their travels.
- Haiti have failed to win their only home match in this tournament (L1).
Costa Rica looking to solidify top-two position
Costa Rica occupy second place on six points from four games in FIFA World Cup Qualification - CONCACAF Group C 2026, one point ahead of Haiti in third, and will be expected to travel to Haiti on Friday. Our Haiti vs Costa Rica prediction sees both teams looking to capitalize on their respective strengths in this crucial match.
They face a very different style of football against Haiti, however. Miguel Herrera’s men play a multi-shape back-five system with a focus on structure, shape and discipline, they sacrifice tempo in order to maintain a compact shape and are capable of shifting with ease. They rely on their wingbacks to get forward when they have the ball and they’re a big part of Costa Rica’s attacking threat, but they also provide width on defence when they are out of possession. They tend to sit in a mid-block and defend as a unit, making them difficult to break down, and are a threat from set pieces.
Haiti’s 4-4-2 setup under Sebastien Migné is compact and focused on defensive organization and quick vertical transitions. There is nothing particularly complex about their style and they are at their most dangerous on the break, especially when they’re ahead, but this will be a massive ask for them with little pedigree at this level. Here, the Haiti vs Costa Rica preview should note that Haiti's approach could pose an interesting challenge for the visitors.
Los Ticos have the edge
Los Ticos are the top choice at 1.47 and that is probably fair given they are the stronger side with more pedigree in this competition, but Haiti are a huge 5.43 underdogs and that’s just too large for them considering they will be the more direct side and can cause a few problems here.
Costa Rica battled hard to hold the USA to a 2-2 draw in the Gold Cup, losing on penalties, and then thrashed Nicaragua 4-1 at home in World Cup qualifying. The Haiti vs Costa Rica prediction for this clash is that Costa Rica should edge this game, but it won’t be easy given Haiti's recent home performances.
Expect goals
Costa Rica have been better defensively in this World Cup qualification group, remaining unbeaten away, drawing both of their away games and conceding 0.5 goals per match on the road.
Duckens Nazon has 4 goals in 4 qualification matches and Haiti should be confident of finding the net at home against a side that they have a chance of breaking down in their offensive third. This is why our Haiti vs Costa Rica betting tips suggest looking towards the ‘Over 2.5 goals’ market, which looks a tempting option at 1.74.
