Costa Rica fires Batista, names Bryan Ruiz interim coach and recalls Keylor Navas

The Costa Rican Football Federation (FCRF) dismissed head coach Fernando "Bocha" Batista on Monday after seven months and five defeats in six matches. Federation president Osael Maroto confirmed the decision, citing poor results that jeopardised the team's Nations League standing.

Former captain Bryan Ruiz, a key figure in the 2014 World Cup run, was appointed interim coach for the final two group matches against Nicaragua and Haiti. The executive committee approved the move unanimously.

“We made the decision to separate Fernando Batista from the post and decided to name Bryan Ruiz as interim coach.”

Ruiz immediately recalled goalkeeper Keylor Navas, 37, who last played for Costa Rica in 2021. Navas, currently with Pumas UNAM, accepted the call-up and is expected to join the squad ahead of Thursday's match in Managua.

Midfielder Celso Borges, another 2014 veteran, was also summoned to reinforce a squad described as young but lacking international experience. The trio aims to stabilise the dressing room and avoid relegation to League B.

Batista's tenure began in March with a 5-0 loss to Iran and included defeats to Colombia, England, Curacao and Haiti. Costa Rica must win both remaining fixtures and hope for favourable results elsewhere to reach the quarter-finals.