A group-stage exit in 2018 had been a sobering lesson. Costa Rica returned in 2022 with renewed purpose. Under Luis Fernando Suárez, they were ready to write the next chapter.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 4 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 11 | -8 | 3 |
Costa Rica found moments of promise but ultimately fell short of the consistency needed to progress beyond the group stage.
Costa Rica endured a difficult group stage, unable to advance despite moments of resistance. Their campaign featured a heavy 0-7 defeat to Spain, a hard-fought 1-0 win against Japan, and a 2-4 defeat against Germany. Despite moments of quality, it was not enough to advance, and Costa Rica's campaign ended at the first round.
1won2lost
3scored11conceded
Conceded 11 goals in 3 matches 0–7 vs Spain.
Yeltsin Tejeda led Costa Rica's attack with 1 goal at the 2022 World Cup. Shared the top-scorer honours with Fuller and Vargas, all with 1.
6yellow
2.0per match
Calvo booked twice no red cards despite the yellow count.
The tactical mind behind Costa Rica's 2022 campaign. Managed 3 different nations at World Cups 10 World Cup matches managed in total.
Under pressure from top-ranked teams Spain, Germany, and Japan, Costa Rica struggled with pace and precision. Their narrow 1-0 win against Japan was a rare bright spot, but ultimately insufficient to overcome their opponents' strength.
