On Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, Nicaragua and Honduras clash in a do-or-die CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers Group C showdown — a match that could redefine both nations’ chances at qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For Nicaragua, it’s more than a game; it’s a lifeline. For Honduras, it’s about holding onto first place. And for fans? It’s a rare chance to see a regional rivalry boil over under World Cup pressure.
How to Watch: Where and When
In the United States, the only place to catch this match live is Paramount+. That’s it. No cable channel, no free streaming — just Paramount+. But if you’re looking for Spanish-language coverage, Telemundo Deportes, Universo, and Telemundo Deportes Ahora have you covered. CBS Sports Network and Golazo America will also carry the game, though Paramount+ remains the exclusive home for the full, uninterrupted broadcast.
International viewers have more options. Hondurans can tune into Tigo Sports Canal 300, while Nicaraguans can stream via TCS+. Globally, Concacaf GO on YouTube and Canal GOAT offer free, multilingual streams — perfect for fans in Central America, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Group C Standings: A Tight Race with High Stakes
As of Matchday 5, the table is razor-thin. Honduras sits atop Group C with 8 points from 5 games (2 wins, 2 draws, 1 loss, +3 goal difference). But they’re tied on points with Haiti, who have the same record but a weaker goal difference (+1). That’s the difference between breathing room and panic.
Costa Rica is clinging to third with 6 points, but their defense — leaking goals at a rate worse than all but three teams in the group — makes their position feel fragile. Meanwhile, Nicaragua sits dead last: 4 points from 5 matches (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses, -6 goal difference). They’ve lost by 2+ goals in three of their five games. This isn’t just about pride — it’s about survival.
History Repeats — But This Time, Nicaragua Has a Shot
Just two months ago, on September 9, 2025, Honduras crushed Nicaragua 2-0 in Tegucigalpa. Romell Quioto opened the scoring in the 47th minute, and Alexy Vega sealed it in stoppage time. Honduras’ lineup that night featured a veteran core: Luis Menjivar in goal, Allan Majstrusic anchoring midfield, and Alberth Elis leading the attack. It was a clinical performance — and a warning.
But things have changed. Nicaragua’s captain and all-time second-leading scorer, Jaime Moreno, has regained form. His 15 international goals are the only consistent threat Honduras will face. And while Honduras’ Anthony Lozano remains dangerous — Bolavip even called his team’s 4-1 loss to Costa Rica a "death knell" — the Hondurans are no longer the clear favorites. The pressure’s on them now.
What’s at Stake Beyond the Scoreline
Only three teams from CONCACAF qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. A fourth enters a playoff. That means even a draw for Honduras could be enough to keep them in control. But a win for Nicaragua? That could spark a miracle. A single goal, a lucky bounce, a defensive lapse — and suddenly, Haiti’s lead isn’t so safe.
And then there’s Haiti. Their entire campaign has been played in exile — 85% of their capital, Port-au-Prince, is controlled by gangs, forcing them to play every match away from home. They’ve still managed 8 points. That’s not luck. That’s grit. Their next match — against Nicaragua on November 18 — could decide who survives.
Costa Rica, meanwhile, has one of the tournament’s most dangerous forward duos — Alonso Martinez and Manfred Ugalde — but their backline is a sieve. They’ve conceded more than all but three teams. A loss to Honduras on November 18 could knock them out entirely. The group isn’t just competitive — it’s brutal.
What’s Next? The Road to 2026
After this match, the focus shifts to November 18, when Honduras faces Costa Rica at 8:00 PM ET — also on Paramount+. That game might be the real decider. If Honduras loses, they’re suddenly in a three-way tie for first. If they win, they’re all but guaranteed a direct spot.
Nicaragua’s fate hinges on beating Haiti on the 18th. If they can pull off a shock result, they’ll climb to 7 points — still unlikely to qualify, but alive in the conversation. And that’s huge for a team that’s been written off since the qualifiers began.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just another qualifier. It’s the kind of match that defines nations. For Honduras, it’s about legacy — they’ve qualified for every World Cup since 1982, except 2018. For Nicaragua, it’s about proving they belong. And for fans watching on Paramount+, on YouTube, or on TCS+ — it’s about hope. In a region where football is religion, this game carries more than points. It carries identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I watch Nicaragua vs Honduras if I don’t have Paramount+?
If you’re in the U.S., Paramount+ is the only official broadcaster. Without it, you won’t get a legal stream. However, international fans can use Concacaf GO on YouTube or Canal GOAT, which offer free global access. Some bars and sports lounges in major cities may also screen the match, especially in areas with large Central American communities.
Why is Haiti playing all their matches away from home?
Over 85% of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, is under the control of violent gangs, making it unsafe for international matches. The national team has been forced to play all home games in neutral venues — mostly in the U.S., Mexico, and Panama — since 2022. Despite this, they’ve earned 8 points in Group C, a testament to their resilience.
What does Nicaragua need to qualify for the World Cup?
Nicaragua needs to finish in the top three to qualify directly — currently impossible without a massive turnaround. Their best shot is winning their final two matches (vs. Haiti and Costa Rica) and hoping Honduras and Haiti drop points. Even then, they’d need to leapfrog Costa Rica and hope for a favorable goal difference. A playoff spot is more realistic — but only if they win both remaining games and get help.
Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For Nicaragua, Jaime Moreno is the only consistent goal threat, with 15 international goals. For Honduras, Anthony Lozano leads the attack, and Romell Quioto remains dangerous on the counter. Midfielder Allan Majstrusic controls Honduras’ tempo, while Nicaragua’s goalkeeper, Luis Sánchez, will need a career night to keep them in it.
How does the 2026 World Cup format change things for CONCACAF?
With 48 teams instead of 32, CONCACAF gets six total slots — three direct, one playoff, and two extra via the new Nations League pathway. But that doesn’t make it easier. More teams mean more competition. Teams like Jamaica, Panama, and even El Salvador are now in the mix. Nicaragua’s margin for error is zero — one slip, and they’re out.
What’s the historical significance of this Honduras-Nicaragua rivalry?
Honduras has dominated the head-to-head record, winning 11 of the last 13 meetings since 2000. Nicaragua’s only win in that span came in 2017. But this match is different: Honduras is under pressure, Nicaragua has nothing to lose, and the stakes are higher than ever. A Nicaraguan victory here would be their most significant result in decades — and could spark a new era for their national team.
