Costa Rica fires Fernando Batista, appoints Bryan Ruiz as interim coach

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 28, 2026, 8:09 PM

Last updated Sep 28, 2026

Costa Rica fires Fernando Batista, appoints Bryan Ruiz as interim coach
Summary

Costa Rica has appointed Bryan Ruiz as the interim manager of its national soccer team, following the dismissal of Fernando "Bocha" Batista after six winless matches. Batista's tenure included a notable 3-4 loss to Curacao and a 0-2 defeat to Haiti, increasing pressure on the team in the Concacaf Nations League. Ruiz, previously a player for Costa Rica, is tasked with turning the team's fortunes around, starting with an October 1 match against Nicaragua. If the poor form continues, Costa Rica risks relegation in the Nations League and potential exclusion from the 2027 Gold Cup.

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By the Numbers
  • •Fernando Batista dismissed after no wins in six matches.
  • •Costa Rica lost 0-2 to Haiti in Batista's final game.
  • •Bryan Ruiz previously managed Liga Deportiva Alajuelense's second team.
  • •Ruiz's first match as interim coach is against Nicaragua on October 1.
  • •Costa Rica risks missing the 2027 Gold Cup due to poor rankings.
Latest Updates
  • 8:09 PMYahoo Sports — Costa Rica fires Batista, names Bryan Ruiz interim national team coach
What they're saying
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Bryan Ruiz once again is being asked to save the Costa Rica national team, this time as interim manager rather than on the field.

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