Belize awaits Belize Men’s National Team roster 2 days before Concacaf Gold Cup Qualifier against Costa Rica

Published by [email protected] at March 19, 2025

Posted: Wednesday, March 19, 2025. 7:30 pm CST.

Belize Men’s National Team in November 2024 at the FFB Stadium- Photo Credit: FFB

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Two days before the CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifiers at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, Belize has not announced its roster against Costa Rica.

Two days before their CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier against Costa Rica at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan, the Belize Men’s National Football Team’s (BMNT) roster remains unannounced.

Coach Charles Slusher has been facing hurdles, as players have not attended training as anticipated. Some clubs, focusing on securing playoff spots in the Premier League of Belize and CONCACAF qualification, have been hesitant to release players for national duties, worried about disrupting team chemistry.

Further complicating matters, a reduction in per diem stipends from $100 to $50, and the elimination of a $350 game fee, has led to dissatisfaction among players. As a result, some have skipped training sessions.

The game is set for 8:00 pm Friday at the FFB Stadium, with the return match on Tuesday in San José, Costa Rica. The winner of this series heads straight to the Gold Cup, making it a crucial match for both teams. Belize have qualified once in 2013, while Costa Rica has a storied history in the tournament, including a win over Belize in 2013 in the United States.

Prior to the present situation, Coach Slusher had been optimistic about Belize’s chances against favoured Costa Rica, drawing on his experience as a former national team goalkeeper. Slusher had expressed confidence in Belize’s ability to hold their own against Costa Rica, highlighting our extensive experience playing against them. He believes that we’re now better positioned to compete internationally and asserts that Belize has the talent to stand strong against a regional powerhouse like Costa Rica.

However, the current situation could certainly put a damper on his plans.

Meanwhile, Belize’s fans, who are hoping for a strong showing despite Costa Rica’s favoured status, eagerly await the official roster announcement ahead of Friday’s game in Belmopan and the subsequent match in San José, Costa Rica, next Tuesday.

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