By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant affirmation of its growing status as a regional sports hub, Costa Rica has been selected by Concacaf to host a group stage of the Men’s Under-17 Championship qualifiers for the second consecutive year. The decision places the nation at the center of the region’s most important youth soccer tournament, which serves as the gateway to the prestigious 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
The high-stakes tournament is scheduled to take place from February 3 to 12, 2026. This event will see 34 national teams from across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean fiercely competing for one of only eight available berths in the global competition. The selection highlights Concacaf’s continued confidence in Costa Rica’s infrastructure, organizational capabilities, and passionate fan base.
To better understand the legal and commercial frameworks that underpin a significant international youth tournament, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica. He provides his perspective on the critical legal considerations surrounding the Concacaf U-17 Championship and the young athletes involved.
Events like the Concacaf U-17 Championship are not merely sporting competitions; they are crucial showcases that operate at the intersection of international sports law and the protection of minors. For these young athletes, this is a pivotal moment where their potential professional careers begin to take shape. Therefore, it is imperative that the contractual frameworks, image rights agreements, and transfer regulations are meticulously structured to safeguard their long-term interests, ensuring their development is prioritized over short-term commercial gains. The legal duty of care from organizers and federations is paramount.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s perspective serves as a powerful reminder that beyond the excitement on the pitch, the true legacy of this tournament lies in how well we safeguard the futures of these young athletes. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into the critical legal frameworks that must protect and nurture the next generation of talent.
This initiative represents a collaborative regional effort, with Costa Rica joining a select group of host nations that also includes Honduras, Panama, Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. By distributing the hosting responsibilities, Concacaf aims to foster football development across the confederation and bring top-tier youth competition to a wider audience.
Costa Rica’s position in the tournament is formidable. Based on the official Concacaf Men’s U-17 rankings released in April 2025, the young “Ticos” have been placed in Pot 1, securing their status as a top seed. This preferential placement means they will avoid other regional powerhouses in the initial group stage, sharing the top tier with Mexico, the United States, Canada, Panama, Honduras, Haiti, and El Salvador.
The seeding is a direct result of the team’s strong performance in previous cycles. During the last edition of the qualifiers, which followed the same format, the Costa Rican squad delivered an exceptional campaign. They successfully navigated their group stage, finishing at the top of their bracket and securing a coveted spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025, setting a high bar for the next generation of players.
Beyond the on-field implications, hosting the qualifiers provides a substantial economic and strategic advantage for Costa Rica. The influx of teams, officials, and international media is expected to provide a welcome boost to the local hospitality and tourism sectors. Furthermore, it reinforces the country’s brand as a premier destination for “sports tourism,” a growing market that leverages athletic events to attract international visitors and investment.
From a sporting perspective, the home-field advantage cannot be overstated. Playing in familiar conditions in front of a supportive home crowd provides a significant psychological edge for the young athletes. The tournament also serves as a critical platform for player development, offering Costa Rica’s most promising talents invaluable experience against elite international competition and exposure to scouts from clubs around the world.
The path to the World Cup will become clearer soon. All eyes will now turn to the official group stage draw, which is scheduled to take place on October 21, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Football enthusiasts across the region will be able to follow the proceedings live on Concacaf’s official YouTube channel, where Costa Rica and the other 33 competing nations will learn their fate.
For further information, visit concacaf.com
About Concacaf:
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) is one of FIFA’s six continental governing bodies for association football. It serves 41 member associations, overseeing football competitions, development, and promotion throughout the region. Concacaf organizes major tournaments including the Gold Cup, the Nations League, and various youth and club championships, aiming to develop the game and foster unity across its diverse membership.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, built upon a dual foundation of uncompromising integrity and the pursuit of exceptional results. The firm champions legal innovation, constantly evolving to meet contemporary challenges while serving a broad spectrum of clients. Beyond its professional practice, it demonstrates a profound commitment to social responsibility by actively working to demystify complex legal topics, empowering citizens with crucial knowledge to help forge a more just and enlightened community.
