Friday, June 6

Sports Mole previews Saturday's World Cup Qualifying - North Central America clash between Cayman Islands and Honduras, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Honduras will resume their 2026 World Cup qualifying bid when they travel to George Town for Saturday’s meeting with the Cayman Islands.

The hosts are down in fourth place in Group A in the second round of CONCACAF qualifying, while Honduras are currently sitting in pole position.

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Match preview

The Cayman Islands’ World Cup qualifying bid is on the brink of drawing to a close, having won one and lost two of their three qualifiers.

They began their qualifying bid with a narrow 1-0 home win over Antigua and Barbuda last June, before they were forced to forfeit their second group game against Cuba due to visa issues from US travel restrictions.

As a result, Cuba were awarded a 3-0 victory before the Cayman Islands focused towards their CONCACAF Nations League campaign, where they collected seven points from four games to finish in second place in their League C group, only to lose 7-0 on aggregate in their play-in tie against Guadeloupe.

The Cayman Islands suffered more disappointment in their return to World Cup qualifying action on Wednesday, conceding four second-half goals in a 5-0 away defeat against Bermuda, leaving them in fourth spot and a point away from the top two.

With just one game left to play, Colin Rowe’s side know they need a win in their first-ever meeting with Honduras to have any hopes of finishing in the top two.

In contrast to their hosts, Honduras are already on the brink of advancing to the third round despite only playing two matches of their qualifying campaign.

Honduras began their qualifying bid with a 3-1 victory over Cuba in June 2024, just a few days before they cruised to a commanding 6-1 away victory over Bermuda to stamp their authority on Group A.

Los Catrachos have played 10 international matches since their most recent qualifiers, including two wins, one draw and one defeat in the Nations League to reach the quarter-final stage, where they were ultimately beaten 4-2 on aggregate by Mexico in November.

Honduras kicked off 2025 with a narrow 2-1 friendly defeat to Guatemala, before they eased to a 7-3 aggregate victory in March’s CONCACAF qualification tie to seal their spot at this summer’s tournament. 

Reinaldo Rueda’s side are now preparing for their final two matches of the second stage of World Cup qualifying, as they look to secure their place in the third round and build momentum ahead of the Gold Cup group stage, where they will face Canada, El Salvador and Curacao.

Cayman Islands World Cup Qualifying - North Central America form:

Cayman Islands form (all competitions):

Honduras World Cup Qualifying - North Central America form:

Honduras form (all competitions):

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Team News

Cayman Islands goalkeeper Lachlin Lambert could have a busy evening when he lines up between the posts against Honduras.

The 18-year-old shot-stopper will likely be shielded by a backline of Jah Dain Alexander, D’Andre Rowe, Cameron Gray and Jabari Campbell.

Attacker Mason Duval could be given the thankless task of leading the line against a country ranked 116 places higher than the Cayman Islands.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon the services of midfielder Rigoberto Rivas, who recently pulled out of the squad due to injury. 

Luis Vega could feature in central defence alongside Julian Martinez, while Andy Najar and Joseph Rosales are in line to operate as the two full-backs. 

Former Celtic attacker Luis Palma will offer one of the main goal threats after scoring four goals in his last four international appearances.

Cayman Islands possible starting lineup:

Lambert; Alexander, Rowe, Gray, Alexander; Reeves, Martinez, Bonilla, Scott, Seymour; Duval

Honduras possible starting lineup:

Menjivar; Najar, Vega, Martinez, Rosales; Flores, Arriaga; Quioto, Alvarez, Palma; Benguche

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We say: Cayman Islands 0-3 Honduras

 

Honduras racked up the goals across the two legs of March's Gold Cup qualifying tie against Bermuda, and we think they should have the extra quality required to enjoy more success in the final third on Saturday, which is why we are predicting a comfortable victory for the visitors. 

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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