Haiti Wins Over Nicaragua in World Cup Qualifier to Lead Group

On Thursday, Haiti secured a decisive 3-0 victory against Nicaragua, the home side, to claim the leading position in Group C during CONCACAF's final stage of 2026 World Cup qualification for North, Central America and the Caribbean.

Goals from Duckens Nazon, Danley Jean Jacques and Louicius Deedson secured Haiti's first triumph in this final phase, a match delayed for over an hour due to a severe thunderstorm causing a power cut in Managua.

Nazon opened the scoring for the away team in the 12th minute, capitalising on a misplaced ball inside the penalty area to convert from close range.

Jean Jacques then doubled the advantage in the 35th minute with a headed goal from a corner kick.

Deedson scored during second half added time, taking Haiti's total to five points and placing them ahead of Honduras on goal difference following a goalless draw between Honduras and Costa Rica in San Pedro Sula.

This outcome, from a physical contest with limited clear opportunities, reduced Costa Rica's prospects of reaching the 2026 finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Seeking a seventh World Cup appearance, the Ticos entered the match needing to improve their position after previous draws with Nicaragua and Haiti but their bold tactics yielded no reward.

They now sit third in the group with three points, one ahead of Nicaragua who have a single point.

The regional qualification schedule proceeds with four fixtures scheduled for Friday.

As the host nations are guaranteed places as co-hosts, the regional qualification format was adjusted to include a final stage with three groups of four teams.

The three group winners will gain automatic World Cup qualification, while the two highest ranked second place teams will advance to the inter confederation play offs.