San José, Costa Rica — Curacao pulled off one of the most dramatic results of the 2026 CONCACAF Nations League, beating Costa Rica 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller on September 25, 2026. In a match that swung back and forth from the opening whistle, the visitors delivered a statement performance, handing Costa Rica a costly home defeat and injecting fresh uncertainty into the group standings.

Match Overview

Costa Rica entered the fixture as the clear favorite, playing at home and expecting to control possession against a Curacao side known for its speed in transition. For long stretches, the Ticos did dictate the tempo. They circulated the ball patiently, pushed their full-backs high, and created enough chances to win comfortably. But Curacao refused to sit back, and every time Costa Rica appeared to seize momentum, the visitors found a response.

The game finished 4-3 to Curacao, a scoreline that flattered neither defense but perfectly captured the open, end-to-end nature of the contest. Costa Rica scored three times at home and still lost — a rarity in CONCACAF Nations League play — while Curacao showed the kind of ruthless finishing that can transform a promising campaign into a historic one.

Key Moments

• 12’ — Curacao take the lead: Juninho Bacuna found space just outside the box and curled a low shot beyond the Costa Rican goalkeeper to silence the home crowd.
• 24’ — Costa Rica respond: Manfred Ugalde leveled the score after a quick combination down the right, finishing first-time from close range.
• 39’ — Curacao strike again: Rangelo Janga powered home a header from a corner, restoring the visitors’ advantage before halftime.
• 52’ — Costa Rica equalize from the spot: Joel Campbell converted a penalty with composure, making it 2-2 and shifting the momentum back toward the hosts.
• 68’ — Bacuna’s second: Curacao broke at speed, and Juninho Bacuna grabbed his brace with a calm finish inside the area.
• 81’ — Costa Rica make it 3-3: Francisco Calvo rose highest from a set piece, heading in to set up a frantic final ten minutes.
• 88’ — Curacao win it late: Leandro Bacuna arrived at the back post to turn in a low cross, sealing a stunning 4-3 victory for the visitors.

Tactical Story

Costa Rica’s approach was built on possession and positional play. They looked to overload the flanks, with their wingers drifting inside to open space for overlapping runs. The strategy produced plenty of territory and a handful of clear chances, but it also left them exposed to Curacao’s counterattacks. Every time the Ticos lost the ball in the middle third, Curacao surged forward with purpose.

Curacao’s game plan was simple but effective: defend in a compact mid-block, then attack through quick vertical passes and aggressive runs in behind. Juninho Bacuna was the engine of that transition game, linking midfield and attack with sharp touches and intelligent movement. Janga provided a physical focal point, while Leandro Bacuna’s late run into the box proved to be the decisive moment of the match.

Defensively, both teams struggled with set pieces and crosses. Costa Rica conceded from a corner and a late wide delivery, while Curacao had trouble containing Calvo and Ugalde in the air and in the penalty area. In the end, the difference was Curacao’s efficiency in front of goal — four shots on target that mattered most turned into four goals.

Standout Players

Juninho Bacuna (Curacao) was the best player on the pitch. His two goals came at critical moments, and his ability to carry the ball through midfield consistently broke Costa Rica’s press. He combined end product with relentless work rate, setting the tone for Curacao’s upset.

Leandro Bacuna (Curacao) delivered the winning goal and controlled the tempo in the closing stages. His experience showed as Curacao managed the game after taking the lead for the fourth time.

Manfred Ugalde (Costa Rica) was Costa Rica’s most dangerous attacker. He scored the equalizer, pressed tirelessly, and linked play well. Joel Campbell’s penalty and Francisco Calvo’s header kept the hosts alive, but defensive lapses ultimately undid their attacking effort.

What It Means in the Standings

The result gives Curacao three massive points and strengthens their position in the CONCACAF Nations League group. For Costa Rica, it is a damaging home defeat that puts pressure on the remainder of their campaign. In a competition where goal difference and head-to-head results often decide advancement, dropping all three points at home — while scoring three goals — will be difficult to accept.

Costa Rica must now regroup quickly. The