Costa Rica vs USMNT: Predictions, odds & betting tips

This article contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it

The United States aim to seal World Cup qualification when they visit Costa Rica, with Gregg Berhalter's side aware that avoiding a big defeat will book their place at Qatar 2022.

The USMNT must not lose by six goals to qualify for the World Cup for the 11th time and restore some national pride having missed out on a place in Russia four years ago.

Costa Rica, meanwhile, know they must beat the USMNT and hope Mexico lose at home to El Salvador, to avoid having to go through a play-off to reach the showpiece in Qatar.

Costa Rica vs USMNT latest odds

The visitors are clear favourites to claim a win at 11/10 (2.10) with bet365 but will be wary of the last time they played a World Cup qualifier on Costa Rican soil.

In November 2016, Los Ticos recorded a famous 4-0 victory over their northern rivals and another success for Costa Rica can be backed at 13/5 (3.60).

The draw is on offer at 21/10 (3.10).

Costa Rica vs USMNT first goalscorer

Christian Pulisic broke the deadlock in the USMNT's 5-1 win over Panama on Sunday and the Chelsea man is available at 5/1 (6.00) to be first goalscorer once more, the same odds as Ricardo Pepi, with Jesus Ferreira offered at 6/1 (7.00).

For the hosts, Anthony Contreras is priced at 13/2 (7.50) with former Arsenal forward Joel Campbell at 7/1 (8.00).

Costa Rica vs USMNT preview

The last time Costa Rica scored six goals was in a 7-0 rout of Guyana in 2012 and realistically there is very little likelihood of the USMNT failing to qualify for the World Cup.

The hosts, however, can make life tough for the USMNT, and Los Ticos have been in strong form, winning four and drawing one of their last five qualifiers.

At home in this competition, Costa Rica boast an excellent scoring record, having found the back of the net in 18 of their last 20 qualifiers and, with the hosts still boasting a mathematical chance of claiming an automatic place at the World Cup, expect them to be highly motivated for the clash.

The USMNT have an extremely poor record on the road in World Cup qualifiers, failing to score in three of their last four games and recording just one win on foreign soil from their last 11 clashes, with that solitary win coming against bottom side Honduras.

Costa Rica vs USMNT tips & predictions

Anyone expecting a comfortable away win is likely to be surprised, and the price of 6/5 (2.20) for both teams to score should be of interest.

There could also be some value in opposing a USMNT win at 4/6 (1.66).

Odds correct at the time of writing. 18+. begambleaware.org

Best Bet

bet365