The road to the 2025 Gold Cup just got a whole lot spicier for Bermuda! CONCACAF has announced the matchups for the Preliminary Round, and Bermuda have been drawn against a Honduras team still reeling from controversy.
Just this week, Honduras was ordered to play their next home match behind closed doors and slapped with a hefty fine after a shocking incident in their recent Nations League clash against Mexico. Mexican coach Javier Aguirre was struck on the head by a can hurled from the stands as he attempted to shake hands with Honduras coach Reinaldo Rueda. Footage captured a barrage of projectiles raining down on Aguirre, leaving him with a wounded head and sparking outrage across the footballing world.
This fiery backdrop adds an extra layer of intrigue to Bermuda's upcoming clash with Honduras. Bermuda, known for their resilience and never-say-die attitude, will be looking to capitalize on Honduras's potential vulnerability and secure a coveted spot in the Gold Cup.
The preliminary round, scheduled for the FIFA Match Window in March 2025, will consist of seven home-and-away matchups. Bermuda will face a tough test against Honduras, a team known for their physicality and passionate home support - though that support will be absent for at least one game.
Can Bermuda overcome the heated Hondurans and book their ticket to the Gold Cup? This matchup promises to be a captivating encounter filled with drama, intensity, and a whole lot of national pride on the line. Get ready for a Caribbean clash that's sure to ignite the footballing world!
The seven matchups are as follows:
(1) Costa Rica vs Belize (14) (2) Jamaica vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (13) (3) Honduras vs Bermuda (12) (4) Guatemala vs Guyana (11) (5) Trinidad and Tobago vs Cuba (10) (6) Martinique vs Suriname (9) (7) Nicaragua vs Guadeloupe (8)
After home-and-away play, the winner in each matchup will qualify for the Group Stage of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup. The Preliminary schedule will be announced at a later date.
