Miguel Herrera Criticizes Costa Rican Press After Mexico Draw
San José, Costa Rica – The fallout from Costa Rica’s stunning failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup continues, with the Costa Rican press delivering a scathing indictment of manager Miguel Herrera. What began with optimism following Herrera’s appointment has devolved into widespread criticism, with many calling for his immediate departure.
The elimination, secured after a goalless draw against Honduras on , is being described as unprecedented. Costa Rica, despite the expanded 48-team format for 2026, finished third in their qualifying group behind Haiti and Honduras, a result few anticipated when Herrera took the helm. The team won only one match during the qualifying campaign.
Newspapers across Costa Rica have been particularly brutal in their assessment of Herrera’s tenure. CR Hoy published an article titled “Hello and Goodbye: The 10 Months of ‘Piojo’ That Left Costa Rica Without a World Cup,” highlighting the team’s disappointing performance under his leadership. The outlet pointed to a win percentage of just 60%, characterizing it as a clear failure.
The criticism stems from the belief that Herrera, despite a successful track record with Club America and a memorable run with Mexico at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, failed to translate that success to the Costa Rican national team. The Costa Rican Football Federation had hoped Herrera would restore the team to the level they reached in 2014, where they reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by the Netherlands on penalties. Instead, the team regressed.
The shock of the elimination is compounded by the perceived ease of the qualifying path. With Mexico, the United States, and Canada all competing in a different group, Costa Rica were widely considered favorites to secure a spot in the expanded tournament. The failure to do so has sparked outrage among fans and the media alike.
The frustration boiled over during a recent 3-3 draw with Haiti on . Costa Rica surrendered a two-goal lead, exposing defensive vulnerabilities and prompting fans to chant “¡Fuera Piojo!” (“Piojo out!”) as Herrera left the field. Despite the mounting pressure, Herrera has publicly stated he has no intention of resigning, stating that doing so would be “the coward’s way out.” He added that the decision ultimately rests with the federation.
Herrera, speaking after the draw with Haiti, expressed his bewilderment at the team’s collapse. “We were 2-0 up and in 20 minutes we let it slip – not just the score but the way we were playing,” he said. “I can’t understand it. We gave away silly chances, stopped keeping the ball, and handed the initiative to them.”
The situation is further complicated by reports of Herrera’s frustration with the media. According to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by @fedefutbolcrc, Herrera has launched a “critica” (criticism) towards the Costa Rican press. This apparent escalation of tensions suggests a fractured relationship between the manager and the media, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation.
The Costa Rican press is not alone in its criticism of Herrera’s recent performance. Even a 2-0 victory over Suriname has drawn scrutiny, with media outlets questioning Mexico’s reliance on set pieces. This suggests a broader concern about Herrera’s tactical approach and his ability to adapt to different opponents.
The future of Herrera’s position with the Costa Rican national team remains uncertain. While he insists he will not resign, the federation may ultimately decide to relieve him of his duties in the wake of this disastrous qualifying campaign. The pressure from the media and the fans is immense, and the prospect of rebuilding the team with a new manager is gaining momentum.
The elimination represents a significant setback for Costa Rican football. The nation has a proud history in the World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals in 2014 and qualifying for six tournaments overall. The failure to secure a spot in the 2026 edition, particularly with the expanded format, is a bitter pill to swallow for fans and officials alike. The search for answers, and a new direction for the national team, is now underway.