A Shocking Upset on the Pitch
In a dramatic twist to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers,
Nicaragua delivered a stunning 2-0 victory over Honduras on Thursday night at Estadio Nacional de Fútbol in Managua. The win, powered by early and late goals from Bancy Hernández and Jaime Moreno, sent shockwaves through Group C and left fans on the edge of their seats.
Despite the home crowd’s jubilation, the result was bittersweet for Nicaragua. Haiti’s simultaneous 1-0 win over Costa Rica mathematically eliminated Nicaragua from World Cup contention, regardless of their triumph over Honduras. For Honduras, the loss was a wake-up call, but they managed to cling to first place in the group on goal difference, keeping their hopes for direct qualification alive as the final matchday approaches.
How the Match Unfolded
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12th minute: Bancy Hernández broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a swift run down the left to beat the Honduran goalkeeper.
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82nd minute: Jaime Moreno sealed the win, finishing off a clever assist from Junior Arteaga.
The Nicaraguan squad, known as
La Azul y Blanco, played with intensity and discipline, frustrating a Honduran side that had been favored to win. The upset has set the stage for a nail-biting conclusion to Group C, with Honduras now facing a must-win scenario against Costa Rica in their final match.
What’s Next for Both Teams
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Honduras will travel to Costa Rica for a decisive showdown that could determine their World Cup fate.
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Nicaragua will close out their campaign against Haiti, hoping to end on a high note despite their elimination.
Off the Field: Immigration Uncertainty Looms
While football drama unfolds, both nations are also grappling with a major immigration crisis in the United States. Recent court rulings have thrown the future of
Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Hondurans and Nicaraguans into chaos.
- The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the U.S. government to proceed with terminating TPS for both countries, effective September 8, 2025, impacting tens of thousands of long-term residents.
- A district court had previously postponed the termination until November 18, but the appellate court’s decision means work authorizations and legal protections have already expired for many.
- Advocacy groups warn of devastating consequences for families and the U.S. economy, as most TPS holders have lived in the U.S. for decades and are deeply integrated into their communities.
The Bigger Picture
The intersection of sports and geopolitics is on full display. As
Honduras and Nicaragua battle for pride and progress on the soccer field, their citizens abroad face an uncertain future, caught between shifting immigration policies and the hope for a better life.
Key Takeaways
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Nicaragua’s upset win over Honduras shakes up World Cup qualifying, but their own campaign ends due to other results.
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Honduras must regroup quickly for a crucial final match against Costa Rica.
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Thousands of Hondurans and Nicaraguans in the U.S. face the loss of legal status and work authorization, with ongoing legal battles offering a slim hope for reprieve.
The coming days will be decisive—both on the field and in the courts.
Sources
1. TPS Termination for Honduras, Nepal and Nicaragua
2. Shield Of The Great Leader [PDF] [5bb0qe0ce5e0] - VDOC.PUB
3. Policy Update - TPS for Honduras, Nicaragua, and Nepal - 8/5/2025
4. TPS for Honduras and Nicaragua and Work Authorization Expires ...
5. Nicaragua defeats Honduras and keeps Group C on edge - Concacaf
6. Nicaragua vs Honduras: How to Watch, Odds, WCQ Preview
7. JLL Capital, S.A.P.I. de C.V. v. Republic of Honduras (ICSID Case ...
8. Ninth Circuit Court Allows Termination of TPS to Proceed for 60,000 ...
9. Immigration: Recent Changes and New Regulations | Insights
