'Piojo out!' – Costa Rica fans demand manager Miguel Herrera’s exit after back-to-back World Cup qualifying draws

Costa Rica’s World Cup qualifying campaign hit turbulence this week, and frustration is already spilling over in San José.

On Tuesday night, the Tricolor blew a two-goal lead against Haiti, stumbling to a 3-3 draw at the Estadio Nacional. What started as a routine victory unraveled in the second half, exposing defensive frailties and sparking fury in the stands. Fans booed loudly at the final whistle, many chanting “¡Fuera Piojo!” as head coach Miguel Herrera made a quick exit down the tunnel.

However, the former Club América boss insists he won’t walk away from the Costa Rica National Team. 

“Resigning would be the coward’s way out. If the federation decides otherwise, that’s their call. I’m not making decisions in the heat of the moment. We have a month to regroup, and I intend to build a squad that will fight for the result we need," he said. 

The Mexican manager spent most of the night barking instructions from the touchline, urging more urgency from his players, but his sideline theatrics did little to calm an increasingly hostile crowd.

Costa Rica now sit on just two points in Group C, tied with Haiti and behind leaders Honduras. The dropped points have complicated their path to the 2026 World Cup and left Herrera under growing scrutiny.

After the 3-3 draw with Haiti, Herrera didn’t hide his frustration in the post-match press conference:

“We were 2-0 up and in 20 minutes we let it slip - not just the score but the way we were playing. I can’t understand it. We gave away silly chances, stopped keeping the ball, and handed the initiative to them,” Herrera said.

He added, “I don’t get why the players stopped doing the things that were working so well. Keylor saves a penalty, and there’s no reaction; no one is fighting to clear the ball. I can’t understand it. I don’t know why we lost that determination.”

Los Ticos face a critical October window for qualifying, traveling to San Pedro Sula to play Honduras before hosting Nicaragua at the Nacional - fixtures that could determine Herrera’s future in charge.