After defeating New Zealand 1-0 in an intercontinental play-off in June 2022, Costa Rica became the 32nd and the last side to earn a spot in Qatar 2022.

The Central American team had a difficult journey to Qatar because their CONCACAF qualification campaign got off to a sluggish start.

The five-time World Cup visitors were in serious danger of missing out in Qatar after early draws against Jamaica, Panama, and Honduras and a loss to Mexico.

2022 FIFA World Cup: Who is the coach for Costa Rica?

Coach Luis Fernando Suárez is the coach for Costa Rica. Just as it started to matter, Costa Rica’s fortunes were drastically changed by coach Luis Fernando Suárez at the beginning of 2022. Importantly, the addition of younger attackers like Anthony Contreras and Jewison Bennette revitalized an aging team that had previously fought its way to Brazil and Russia.

The Colombian tactician was motivated by the young talent that was introduced, and as a result, his team won five of their final six qualifiers, including a crucial 0-0 draw in Mexico that advanced Costa Rica against New Zealand to the continental play-offs.

By way of a goal from Joel Campbell in the third minute, Costa Rica defeated New Zealand in Doha. Despite New Zealand dominating the match, Costa Rica managed to hang on for a historic victory.