Our prediction for this World Cup 2026 match:
Mexico will be aiming to build on a 2-1 win over Jamaica when they take on Costa Rica in the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers round 10. El Tri came from behind to beat the Reggae Boyz, with the team moving one step closer to booking their place at the showpiece tournament in Qatar. Defender Jorge Sanchez suffered an injury in the Independence Park clash, with Luis Rodriguez likely to replace him in the starting XI.
Hirving Lozano is back from suspension, while Wolverhampton attacker Raul Jimenez is a major doubt. Los Ticos, on the other hand, recorded a hard-fought 1-0 win over Panama in their last league fixture. Costa Rica, though, are not regarded as good travelers, and given their four-game winless run on the road, we believe that punters from all around the globe can find value in betting on the Mexicans. Veteran midfielder Bryan Ruiz should be recalled to the starting XI after scoring the winner against los Canaleros.
Highlighted Player (Jonathan dos Santos):
While playing at a youth tournament in France, Jonathan Dos Santos was spotted by FC Barcelona scouts, who were delighted with what they saw. The Barca chiefs decided to bring Jonathan and his brother Giovani to La Masia, with both passing the trial.
The Mexican midfielder, who was born in Monterrey on April 26, 1990, scored 6 goals in 81 appearances for Barcelona B from 2009 to 2012, but he played no more than 14 games for the senior team in the Spanish top flight. On July 9, 2014 Jonathan dos Santos moved to Villareal and he scored his first La Liga goal in December against Deportivo La Coruna.
The Mexico international played an important role at Villarreal until 2017 when he decided to sign a contract with MLS club Los Angeles Galaxy. The biggest success of his career, though, is winning the UEFA Champions League title in the 2010/2011 season with Barca. Unlike his brother, Jonathan’s preferred foot is right.
Highlighted Team (Costa Rica):
Los Ticos are administered by the Costa Rican Football Federation and are members of the CONCACAF confederation competing at the international stage since 1921, although it was not until 1927 that they had become the FIFA members.
Costa Rica is the most successful national football team in the history of Central America with eight championships and their decorated reputation was upheld in 2014 when the current Central American champions made an imposing impression during the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Having reached the quarter-finals, Costa Ricans continue to be a thorn in the side for a many bigger soccer nations.
Alvaro Saborio is the most-capped member of the current team captained by Bryan Ruiz, but the most prominent star of the squad is definitely Real Madrid goalkeeper and 2016 Champions League winner Keylor Navas. Arsenal forward Joel Campbell is also a notable player whose 2014 FIFA World Cup performances have been nothing short of impressive.