Costa Rica's men's national team is gearing up for two high‑profile friendlies, first against Colombia on June 1 and then England on June 10, as the squad attempts to chart a new course after failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Under the guidance of new coach Fernando ‘Bocha’ Batista, the team is emphasizing a fresh start, but the preparation has been marred by disciplinary setbacks that have seen three players removed from the camp.
Disciplinary crackdown
Alejandro Bran, Kenneth Vargas and Warren Madrigal were sent home after an incident involving Bran’s vehicle that was struck by gunfire, an episode that has reignited scrutiny of the players' conduct and the standards expected of national team representatives.
The Costa Rican Soccer Federation explained that the dismissals were rooted in a broader commitment to discipline and respect for team rules, signaling that off‑field behavior will be judged as harshly as performance on the pitch.
At the club level, Alajuelense has already separated Bran and Vargas from its roster, while Madrigal, who plays for Nashville SC in Major League Soccer, faces a similar fate, underscoring the ripple effects across domestic leagues.
Batista has repeatedly stressed that national team members must meet expectations both on and off the field, a stance that reflects the federation’s desire to reset the squad’s culture as it looks to rebuild ahead of future tournaments.
The upcoming matches against Colombia and England therefore carry added significance, offering the team a chance to demonstrate cohesion and resilience while the federation works to restore confidence in the national setup.