Prediction Nicaragua vs Costa Rica 2026 – Betting Tips for the WC Qualification Concacaf on 06/09/2025

A chance for Costa Rica to stamp authority in Managua

The Final Round of the WC Qualification Concacaf kicks off with a mouth-watering opening tie as Nicaragua host Costa Rica at the Nicaragua National Football Stadium on 06/09/2025. The setting promises a lively atmosphere in a 20,000-seater venue, but the numbers point clearly towards the visitors arriving with the momentum. Costa Rica’s run through the summer has been impressive: six wins, two draws and just two losses in their last ten, a sequence that includes high-scoring affairs and a confident attacking output. Nicaragua, by contrast, have been hit-or-miss — capable of grinding out results but also vulnerable, evidenced by their recent 3-0 defeat to Panama.

Form and underlying trends that matter

Costa Rica bring superior attacking metrics into this match. They average over 25 total shots across their sample and boast a remarkably high shots-on-target tally alongside a lofty shot conversion figure. Their away goals column is eye-catching too, with 11 recorded, while defensive numbers suggest solidity — notably a clean sheet count that outweighs Nicaragua’s. Nicaragua’s home numbers are more modest: fewer total shots, lower chance creation averages and a defense that has leaked goals in recent outings. The historical edge also tilts Costa Rica’s way; the most recent competitive meeting saw Costa Rica dominate 4-0, a cautionary reminder for the hosts.

Tactically, expect Costa Rica to press and probe from the start. Nicaragua will likely attempt to soak pressure and spring counters, but the stats favour the visitors to create the lion’s share of openings. Nicaragua’s recent sequence includes narrow home wins and frustrating losses, while Costa Rica’s attacking variety — with matches that have produced multiple goals — suggests the potential for a decisive result rather than a stalemate.

Match dynamics and what to expect

Managua’s altitude, crowd and home comfort offer Nicaragua some intangible benefits, but Costa Rica’s consistency and clinical edge should shine through across 90 minutes. Watch for an early Costa Rica initiative and a match that opens up if the visitors break the deadlock; Nicaragua’s tendency to concede and Costa Rica’s potency on the break could combine for a tilting scoreline.

Betting suggestion: Back Costa Rica to win (1X2). The bookmakers’ pricing reflects the same logic — the away win at roughly 1.67 combines value with a strong probability based on form, attacking statistics and recent head-to-head context.