Nicaragua national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Nicaragua women's national football team.

Quick facts for kids
Nicaragua

Nickname(s)

La Azul y Blanco (The Blue and White)
Los Pinoleros (The Pinoleros)

Association

Federación Nicaragüense de Fútbol (FENIFUT)

Confederation

CONCACAF (North America)

Sub-confederation

UNCAF (Central America)

Head coach

Vacant

Captain

Juan Barrera

Most caps

Josué Quijano (103)

Top scorer

Juan Barrera (26)

Home stadium

Estadio Nacional de Fútbol

FIFA code

NCA

First colours

Second colours

FIFA ranking

Current

128

1 (7 February 2019)

Highest

92 (December 2015)

Lowest

193 (May 2001)

Elo ranking

Current

141

2 (3 March 2019)

Highest

126 (3 July 2017)

Lowest

204 (May–November 2001)

First international

El Salvador 9–0 Nicaragua

(San Salvador, El Salvador; 1 May 1929)

Biggest win

Turks and Caicos Islands 0–7 Nicaragua

(San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic; 27 March 2021)

Biggest defeat

Honduras 10–0 Nicaragua

(San José, Costa Rica; 13 March 1946)

Curaçao 11–1 Nicaragua

(Guatemala City, Guatemala; 2 March 1950)

CONCACAF Championship / Gold Cup

Appearances

5 (first in 1963)

Best result

Sixth place (1967)

CCCF Championship

Appearances

6 (first in 1941)

Best result

Third place (1951)

Medal record

CCCF Championship

Bronze	1951 Panama	Team

The Nicaragua national football team (called Selección de fútbol de Nicaragua in Spanish) plays for Nicaragua in international men's soccer games. The team is managed by the Federación Nicaragüense de Fútbol.

Nicaragua first played in a big international tournament in 2009. They made it to the 2009 Gold Cup after beating Guatemala 2–0. However, the team has never played in the FIFA World Cup. In Nicaragua, baseball is more popular than soccer. This is because of the history of American influence in the country.

Team History

Nicaragua played its first international match on May 1, 1929. They lost 9–0 to El Salvador in El Salvador. The team did not play another game for over 12 years. Their next matches were in 1941 for the 1941 CCCF Championship in Costa Rica. They lost all four games, finishing last in their group.

Recent Games and Tournaments

Nicaragua played in the 2019 Gold Cup. They finished last in their group, losing to Costa Rica, Haiti, and Bermuda.

The team qualified for the 2023 Gold Cup and was promoted to a higher league. But on June 12, 2023, they were disqualified. This happened because they used a player who was not allowed to play. As a result, Trinidad and Tobago took their place in the Gold Cup.

Team Look and Sponsors

Kit Sponsors

The team's uniform sponsors have changed over the years. Here is a list of their kit suppliers:

Kit supplier	Period
Puma	1998
None	2000–2003
Joma	2004–2021
Keuka	2022–2024
Orion	2024–present

Match Results

Here are some of Nicaragua's recent match results. Win Draw Loss

2024 Matches

March 26: Nicaragua lost 0–1 to Cuba in a friendly game.
May 26: Nicaragua drew 1–1 with Guatemala in a friendly game.
June 5: Nicaragua won 4–1 against Montserrat in a World Cup qualifier.
June 8: Nicaragua won 4–0 against Belize in a World Cup qualifier.
September 6: Nicaragua won 1–0 against French Guiana in a Nations League match.
September 10: Nicaragua drew 1–1 with Cuba in a Nations League match.
October 10: Nicaragua lost 0–2 to Jamaica in a Nations League match.
October 14: Nicaragua won 3–2 against French Guiana in a Nations League match.

2025 Matches

March 21: Nicaragua lost 0–1 to Guadeloupe in a Gold Cup qualifier.
March 25: Nicaragua lost 0–1 to Guadeloupe in a Gold Cup qualifier. Guadeloupe won 2–0 overall and qualified.
June 1: Nicaragua drew 1–1 with Puerto Rico in a friendly game.
June 6: Nicaragua won 1–0 against Guyana in a World Cup qualifier.
June 10: Nicaragua lost 0–3 to Panama in a World Cup qualifier.

Team Staff

The people who help coach and manage the team are:

Position	Name
Head coach	Vacant
Technical director	Roger Rodriguez
Assistant coach	Tyron Acevedo
Assistant coach	Mario García
Goalkeeping coach	Carlos Mendieta
Physical coordinator	Jaime Ruiz
Doctor	Dr. Cupertino Borrell
Physiotherapist	Zamir Cerna
Team coordinator	Cesar Castro Trinidad
Team coordinator	Nestor Díaz

Coaching History

Many coaches have led the Nicaragua national football team over the years. They have come from different countries like Argentina, Hungary, Costa Rica, and Spain. Some coaches have had more than one period leading the team.

Players

Current Squad

These players were chosen for the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League matches in October 2024. Numbers for games played (caps) and goals are correct as of October 14, 2024.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
1GK	Miguel Rodríguez	(2003-06-13) 13 June 2003 (age 22)	13	0	SJK
1GK	Alyer López	(1999-05-16) 16 May 1999 (age 26)	4	0	Managua
1GK	Jason Vega	(1995-11-06) 6 November 1995 (age 29)	3	0	Real Estelí

2DF	Josué Quijano	(1991-03-10) 10 March 1991 (age 34)	99	3	Real Estelí
2DF	Marvin Fletes	(1997-11-12) 12 November 1997 (age 27)	37	2	Real Estelí
2DF	Óscar Acevedo	(1997-03-18) 18 March 1997 (age 28)	29	2	Real Estelí
2DF	Juan Luis Pérez	(1999-06-29) 29 June 1999 (age 26)	15	3	Diriangén
2DF	Christian Reyes	(1998-01-03) 3 January 1998 (age 27)	12	0	AD Municipal Liberia
2DF	Justing Cano	(2002-03-02) 2 March 2002 (age 23)	3	0	Diriangén
2DF	Anyelo Velásquez	(2004-12-22) 22 December 2004 (age 20)	1	0	Diriangén

3MF	Juan Barrera (captain)	(1989-05-02) 2 May 1989 (age 36)	93	26	Managua
3MF	Jason Coronel	(1993-10-06) 6 October 1993 (age 31)	32	0	Diriangén
3MF	Matías Moldskred Belli	(1997-08-12) 12 August 1997 (age 27)	29	7	Sandnes Ulf
3MF	Harold Medina	(2002-01-30) 30 January 2002 (age 23)	27	3	Real Estelí
3MF	Henry Niño	(1997-10-03) 3 October 1997 (age 27)	25	1	Real Estelí
3MF	Junior Arteaga	(1999-12-09) 9 December 1999 (age 25)	18	2	Diriangén
3MF	Jacob Montes	(1998-12-20) 20 December 1998 (age 26)	11	4	RWD Molenbeek

4FW	Jaime Moreno	(1995-03-30) 30 March 1995 (age 30)	42	13	Barito Putera
4FW	Byron Bonilla	(1993-08-30) 30 August 1993 (age 31)	35	6	Real Estelí
4FW	Widman Talavera	(2003-01-12) 12 January 2003 (age 22)	15	3	Real Estelí
4FW	Bancy Hernández	(2000-06-27) 27 June 2000 (age 25)	14	2	Real Estelí
4FW	Ariel Arauz	(2001-05-30) 30 May 2001 (age 24)	3	0	CS Herediano
4FW	Edgar Castillo	(2002-05-21) 21 May 2002 (age 23)	1	0	Deportivo Llacuabamba
4FW	Ronald Palacios	(2002-09-09) 9 September 2002 (age 22)	1	0	Managua

Players Called Up Recently

These players have been called to the team in the last year.

Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club	Latest call-up
GK	César Salandia	(2004-06-13) 13 June 2004 (age 21)	5	0	Real Estelí	v. Cuba, 10 September 2024

DF	Pablo Rodríguez	(2000-06-04) 4 June 2000 (age 25)	1	0	Managua	v. Belize, 8 June 2024
DF	Evert Martínez	(2002-03-08) 8 March 2002 (age 23)	1	0	Real Estelí	v. Cuba, 26 March 2024
DF	Melvin Hernández	(1994-04-26) 26 April 1994 (age 31)	12	0	UNAN Managua	v. Dominican Republic, 21 November 2023
DF	Jeffrey Chávez	(1997-02-10) 10 February 1997 (age 28)	1	0	Municipal Liberia	v. Dominican Republic, 21 November 2023
DF	Cristhiam Quinto	(2001-01-17) 17 January 2001 (age 24)	0	0	Managua	v. Dominican Republic, 21 November 2023

MF	Jonathan Moncada	(1998-01-03) 3 January 1998 (age 27)	16	0	Diriangén	v. Cuba, 10 September 2024
MF	Nextaly Rodríguez	(1998-03-03) 3 March 1998 (age 27)	10	1	AD Municipal Liberia	v. Cuba, 10 September 2024
MF	Kevin Serapio	(1996-04-09) 9 April 1996 (age 29)	28	1	Managua	v. Belize, 8 June 2024
MF	Jeremy Cuarezma	(2000-05-28) 28 May 2000 (age 25)	2	0	Managua	v. Montserrat, 6 June 2024

FW	Luis Fernando Coronel	(1997-02-25) 25 February 1997 (age 28)	18	3	Diriangén	v. Cuba, 10 September 2024
FW	Abner Acuña	(1997-03-05) 5 March 1997 (age 28)	11	0	Managua FC	v. Cuba, 10 September 2024
FW	Brayan López	(1990-06-03) 3 June 1990 (age 35)	11	0	Puntarenas	v. Cuba, 26 March 2024
FW	Anderson Treminio	(1997-04-17) 17 April 1997 (age 28)	8	0	Real Santa Cruz	v. Cuba, 26 March 2024
FW	Ariagner Smith	(1998-12-13) 13 December 1998 (age 26)	20	7	FK Panevėžys	v. Dominican Republic, 21 November 2023
^INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury. ^PRE Preliminary squad. ^RET Player retired from the national team. ^SUS Player is serving suspension. ^WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue. ^INE Ineligible player.

Team Records

Here are some of the top players for Nicaragua. Players in bold are still playing for the national team.

Most Games Played

Josué Quijano has played the most games for Nicaragua, with 102 international appearances.

Rank	Player	Caps	Goals	Career
1	Josué Quijano	104	3	2011–present
2	Juan Barrera	98	26	2009–present
3	Manuel Rosas	60	2	2013–2022
4	David Solórzano	49	1	1999–2014
5	Jaime Moreno	47	14	2016–present
6	Carlos Chavarría	44	11	2013–2021
7	Byron Bonilla	40	6	2016–
7	Marlon López	40	0	2014–2020
9	Luis Copete	39	3	2014–2023
9	Denis Espinoza	39	1	2004–2021

Top Goal Scorers

Juan Barrera has scored the most goals for Nicaragua, with 26 goals.

Rank	Player	Goals	Caps	Ratio	Career
1	Juan Barrera	26	98	0.27	2009–present
2	Jaime Moreno	14	47	0.3	2016–present
3	Emilio Palacios	11	26	0.42	2001–2009
3	Carlos Chavarría	11	44	0.25	2013–2021
5	Raúl Leguías	8	23	0.35	2011–2016
6	Ariagner Smith	7	21	0.33	2017–present
6	Matías Moldskred	7	33	0.23	2021–present
8	Byron Bonilla	6	40	0.15	2016–present
8	Luis Galeano	6	35	0.17	2015–2022
10	Jacob Montes	4	12	0.33	2023–present
	Rudel Calero	4	26	0.15	2001–2011
	Samuel Wilson	4	29	0.14	2001–2013

Tournament Performance

Nicaragua has played in several major football tournaments.

FIFA World Cup

The Nicaragua national football team has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. They tried to qualify for the 2022 World Cup but did not make it past the first round.

CONCACAF Gold Cup

Nicaragua has played in the Gold Cup five times. Their best result was finishing sixth in 1967. They were disqualified from the 2023 Gold Cup.

CONCACAF Nations League

Nicaragua has competed in the CONCACAF Nations League. In the 2022–23 season, they won their group and were promoted to League A. However, they were disqualified from the 2023 Gold Cup and remained in League B. In the 2023-24 season, they won their group again and were promoted to League A.

Copa Centroamericana

This tournament is for teams in Central America. Nicaragua has played in it 14 times. Their best finish was fifth place in 2005 and 2009.

CCCF Championship

This was an older tournament for Central American and Caribbean teams. Nicaragua played in it six times. They earned a bronze medal (third place) in 1951.

Other Tournaments

Nicaragua has also participated in the Pan American Games and the Central American and Caribbean Games. They have not won medals in these tournaments.

Match History Against Other Teams

This table shows how Nicaragua has played against different national teams. Positive Record Neutral Record Negative Record

Opponents	Pld	W	D	L	GF	GA	GD
Anguilla	3	3	0	0	14	0	+14
Argentina	1	0	0	1	1	5	−4
Bahamas	2	2	0	0	6	0	+6
Barbados	4	3	0	1	10	2	+8
Belize	14	6	4	4	24	14	+10
Bermuda	5	2	0	3	5	7	−2
Bolivia	3	0	1	2	4	6	−2
Canada	1	1	0	0	3	1	+2
Cayman Islands	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1
Colombia	1	0	0	1	2	7	−5
Costa Rica	19	1	1	17	10	72	−62
Cuba	15	4	4	7	17	26	−9
Curaçao	8	0	1	7	3	34	−31
Dominica	4	4	0	0	10	1	+9
Dominican Republic	4	1	1	2	2	4	−2
El Salvador	31	1	3	27	21	120	−99
French Guiana	2	2	0	0	4	2	+2
Ghana	1	0	0	1	0	1	−1
Guadeloupe	3	0	0	3	0	4	−4
Guatemala	28	2	5	21	18	74	−56
Guyana	1	1	0	0	1	0	+1
Haiti	9	1	2	6	9	16	−7
Honduras	25	1	3	21	16	80	−64
Iran	1	0	0	1	0	1	−1
Jamaica	3	1	0	2	3	6	−3
Martinique	2	0	0	2	0	4	−4
Mexico	3	0	0	3	1	10	−9
Montserrat	3	3	0	0	10	1	+9
Panama	29	5	1	23	26	82	−56
Paraguay	1	0	0	1	0	2	−2
Peru	1	0	0	1	0	2	−2
Puerto Rico	6	3	2	1	10	7	+3
Qatar	1	0	0	1	1	2	−1
Saint Kitts and Nevis	2	0	2	0	0	0	0
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	7	2	3	2	12	11	+1
Suriname	5	2	0	3	6	11	−5
Trinidad and Tobago	7	2	2	3	7	12	−5
Turks and Caicos Islands	1	1	0	0	7	0	+7
United States	1	0	0	1	0	3	−3
Uruguay	1	0	0	1	1	4	−3
Venezuela	1	0	1	0	1	1	0
Total (41)	260	55	36	169	265	635	−370