What Happened
On June 11, 2025, the Honduras national football team faced Antigua and Barbuda in a World Cup qualifying match at the Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino in Tegucigalpa. Honduras, aiming to maintain its perfect record in Group A of the CONCACAF qualifiers, secured a narrow 1-0 victory over the visiting team. The match was characterized by Honduras’s dominant performance, which ultimately resulted in a goal from Getsel Montes shortly after the second half began. This victory marked Honduras’s fourth consecutive win in the qualifiers, solidifying their position at the top of the group with nine points from three matches.
Antigua and Barbuda, on the other hand, continued to struggle in their qualifying campaign, having not won a match since October 2023. With their hopes of advancing to the next round already dashed, the team entered the match with the primary goal of salvaging pride. Despite a solid defensive effort, they were unable to capitalize on any offensive opportunities, ultimately falling to Honduras and extending their winless streak to 12 matches.
Key Details
- Match Result: Honduras 1 - 0 Antigua and Barbuda
- Goal Scorer: Getsel Montes (49’)
- Honduras’s Group Standing: Top of Group A with 9 points (3 wins, 0 losses)
- Antigua and Barbuda’s Group Standing: Bottom of Group A with 1 point (0 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses)
- Recent Form: Honduras has won their last three matches, while Antigua and Barbuda has not won in their last 12 outings, suffering nine losses and three draws.
- Upcoming Matches: Honduras is preparing for the Gold Cup, while Antigua and Barbuda’s future competitive fixtures remain uncertain.
Multiple Perspectives
Honduras’s head coach, Reinaldo Rueda, has emphasized the team’s renewed focus and determination to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after previous failures. The team’s recent performances, including a dominant 6-1 victory against Bermuda and a 3-1 win over Cuba, have instilled confidence among players and fans alike. Analysts suggest that Honduras’s strong showing in the qualifiers reflects a rebuilding phase that has positioned them as a formidable contender in the region.
Conversely, Antigua and Barbuda’s new head coach, Jaques Passy, acknowledged the challenges facing his team, particularly in light of their recent poor form. Despite the loss to Cuba prior to facing Honduras, Passy noted that the team displayed organizational improvements and a balanced approach. He emphasized the importance of using matches against stronger opponents like Honduras as opportunities for growth and development, even when the immediate goal of qualification has been lost.
Context & Background
The match between Honduras and Antigua and Barbuda is part of the qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Honduras has historically been a competitive team within the CONCACAF region, having qualified for the World Cup three times (in 1982, 2010, and 2014). However, their failure to qualify for the last two tournaments has prompted a renewed focus on rebuilding the squad and improving performance.
Antigua and Barbuda, while less prominent on the international stage, have participated in various CONCACAF competitions and are working to enhance their footballing infrastructure and talent pool. The current qualifying campaign has been particularly challenging for them, as they have struggled to secure wins and build momentum.
What We Don’t Know Yet
As of now, it remains unclear how Antigua and Barbuda will address their ongoing struggles in international competitions. The team’s future fixtures and plans for player development are yet to be announced, particularly in light of their recent coaching changes and the need for a strategic overhaul. Additionally, while Honduras appears to be on a positive trajectory, the sustainability of their current form leading into the Gold Cup and beyond is still uncertain. The impact of injuries, player selections, and tactical adjustments will play a crucial role in determining their success in upcoming matches.
