Tip: Win: Jamaica
Jamaica entered the final round of World Cup qualifying in great style, as they brushed aside Bermuda 4-0 at home and showcased not only the depth of their squad but also their attacking quality. Damion Lowe, Renaldo Cephas, Kasey Palmer, and especially Shamar Nicholson – who with 20 goals is now among the top scorers in Reggae Boyz history – all found the net. Under Steve McClaren, the team is playing with confidence, and fans are also pleased with the home record – Jamaica are unbeaten in their last four qualifiers at Independence Park and in this cycle won twice there without conceding. Trinidad and Tobago, on the other hand, continue to struggle in attack, as evidenced by their goalless draw with Curaçao. Coach Dwight Yorke is building on disciplined defending and the reliability of goalkeeper Denzil Smith, but the team lacks a real difference-maker up front. History reminds us that the Soca Warriors have not lost in their last three visits to Kingston, yet current form speaks strongly in favor of the hosts. The Reggae Boyz now have the opportunity to win two consecutive games in the final round of qualifying for the first time this century, and they are widely expected to take it.
Tip: Win: Costa Rica
Costa Rica did not start the final round ideally, managing only a 1-1 draw with Nicaragua despite having a man advantage and a lead. Coach Miguel Herrera knows his side must be more clinical if they are to confirm their role as favorites. Los Ticos can rely on their home strength, having won their last seven World Cup qualifying matches at the Estadio Nacional, and also on the experience of players such as Joel Campbell and defender Francisco Calvo. Younger talents like Manfred Ugalde, who replaced Kenneth Vargas, are also pushing into the lineup and can provide fresh energy in attack. Haiti began with a respectable 0-0 draw against Honduras, where goalkeeper Alexander Pierre produced several key saves and the team displayed defensive discipline. In attack, however, more is expected from experienced names like Duckens Nazon and Frantzdy Pierrot. Interestingly, Haiti are unbeaten in their last three meetings with Costa Rica, including a memorable comeback at the 2019 Gold Cup. Still, Costa Rica rarely slip up at home, and this time they are expected to secure their first win of the final round in front of their fans.
Tip: Win: Honduras
Honduras extended their winless run in the final round of World Cup qualifying to 15 matches with a goalless draw against Haiti, and the pressure on coach Reinaldo Rueda is growing. Nevertheless, the team has strength when playing at home in Tegucigalpa, where they traditionally make life difficult for visiting sides. Key man could be experienced striker Anthony Lozano, supported by Andy Najar, while goalkeeper Edrick Menjívar, who kept a clean sheet against Haiti, provides security at the back. Nicaragua, on the other hand, produced a surprise by holding Costa Rica to a 1-1 draw, even though they played much of the game with ten men. The hero was Byron Bonilla, who converted a late penalty and climbed to seventh place on Nicaragua’s all-time scoring list. Coach Marco Antonio Figueroa relies on a compact, hard-working team that never gives up and can frustrate stronger opponents. History, however, is firmly in favor of Honduras, who have not lost to Nicaragua in 14 straight matches, scoring 49 goals in that span. The last meeting in 2020 ended 1-1, showing that the underdogs can indeed cause problems, but Honduras are still expected to use the home advantage and finally break their long winless streak in this phase.