Honduras Sights On The Future

• After losing in Russia in 2018, Los Catrachos targets Qatar in 2022.
• Their increased FIFA Ranking is a positive step forward.
• Now 64, they are in their highest position since September 2014.

Honduras Football Association (FENAFUTH) has returned to the drawing board after the frustration of the national side’s intercontinental play-off defeat of Australia in the qualifiers of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Four months have passed since this setback, which also marked the end of Jorge Luis Pintos Catracho’s term of office. Although more names have been submitted as his replacement, the position remains available.

“There is no need to hurry. We have to take our time here,” said Jose Mejia, Fenafuth’s secretary recently the in the Honduran press conference. “The qualifications for the next World Cup start in January and in September this year we have the CONCACAF Nations League. We are now looking at candidates.” Los Catrachos will then be in action on 27 May when they take Russia 2018 qualifying matches Korea Republic in Seoul before returning to El Salvador, Houston, USA, and June 2nd.

“It will be an important outbreak for us as it will help us continue to shape the team,” said Mejia to announce the second of the two friendly matches. Judging by the latest FIFA / Coca-Cola World Ranking, Honduras is heading in the right direction as they have moved up to 64, their highest ranking since reaching 57 in September 2014. It makes Honduras the sixth-ranked nation in the CONCACAF Zone, behind Mexico (17.), USA (25.), Costa Rica (26.), Jamaica (49.) and Panama (53.).

Lack of qualification for Russia in 2018 meant the end of some of Honduras most experienced players, including defender Maynor Figueroa and Carlos Costly. Figueroa was the most experienced member of the Catracho team with four world championships under his belt, while Costly ended his international career as La H’s fourth highest goalkeeper all the time.