Honduras Faces Must-Win Match Against Bermuda in Gold Cup Qualifier

HAMILTON, Bermuda — The Honduran national soccer team is set to face Bermuda on March 21, 2025, in a crucial qualifier for the 2025 Gold Cup. The match, scheduled for 5:00 PM local time, marks the first leg of a playoff series that will determine which team earns a spot in the prestigious tournament.

This match is particularly significant for the Honduran squad as they chase one of the last seven spots available in the Gold Cup group stage. The tournament will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 6, 2025, and Honduras is eager to secure their chance to compete.

Honduras has been dealt a tough hand in the lead-up to this game, with several key players unavailable, including Alexy Vega, Rigo Rivas, Edwin Rodríguez, Joseph Rosales, Antony Lozano, and Bryan Acosta due to various reasons. Coach Reinaldo Rueda will be relying on the remaining players to step up in this high-stakes matchup.

The starting lineup for Honduras includes Edrick Menjívar in goal; defenders Franklin Flores, Julián Martínez, Denil Maldonado, and Andy Najar; midfielders Deiby Flores, Kervin Arriaga, and Luis Palma; and forwards Romell Quioto, Jorge Álvarez, and Eddie Hernández.

On the other side, Bermuda will be fielding a lineup featuring Dale Eve, Reese Jones, Roger Lee, Julian Carpenter, and Lejuan Simmons among others. They aim to capitalize on the absences in the Honduran team and provide a strong performance to upset the higher-ranked squad.

Fans in Honduras will not be able to watch the match on traditional television, as it will only be available for streaming on Disney+. The platform has acquired rights to air the game via ESPN, limiting broadcast options in Central and South America and the Caribbean. This matchup is expected to draw significant interest despite the limited viewing options.

The return leg of this playoff series is scheduled for March 25, 2025, at the Nacional Chelato Uclés Stadium in Honduras, which will be held behind closed doors due to previous disciplinary actions taken against the team after incidents during a match against Mexico.