In San José, Costa Rica have moved quickly after a troubled international window, ending Fernando Batista’s seven-month spell as senior national-team coach and placing Bryan Ruiz in temporary charge.
The news from the club
The Costa Rican Football Federation acted after a winless run under the Argentine, whose side recorded one draw and five defeats in six matches while conceding 19 goals.
Federation president Osael Maroto said the original intention had been for Batista to lead the programme towards the 2030 World Cup. Results, however, forced a change of direction.
Defeats to Curaçao and Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League increased the pressure. Batista had initially retained federation backing after the Curaçao loss, but the subsequent 2-0 defeat against Haiti led the Executive Committee to reverse that position and dismiss him.
Ruiz has taken charge immediately. One of the defining Costa Rican players of the modern era, he represented his country at the 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups and now steps into his first senior international coaching assignment with little time to prepare.
The former midfielder began work with the squad on Monday. The federation cited both his familiarity with the national-team environment and the coaching experience he has begun to gather since retiring as factors in the appointment.
The Nations League calendar
Costa Rica have two remaining group-stage fixtures in the CONCACAF Nations League. Ruiz will make his debut on Thursday away to Nicaragua before Haiti visit on Sunday, with both matches important to the country’s campaign.
His role is currently temporary, but the federation will review the situation after those two games. Ruiz could remain in charge, or Costa Rica may open the search for a new coach to lead the longer-term route towards the 2030 World Cup.
