By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In the somber aftermath of Costa Rica’s stunning failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, a period of national introspection has begun. While fans and pundits dissect the collapse, veteran Liga Deportiva Alajuelense coach Óscar Ramírez offered a stern yet hopeful perspective, suggesting the painful elimination could be the very jolt the nation’s football program needs to spark a profound transformation.
Speaking to the press ahead of his club’s crucial match against Cartaginés, Ramírez did not mince words about the gravity of the situation. He acknowledged the collective disappointment gripping the country, describing the national team’s exit as a “difficult” and “tough” blow for a populace that lives and breathes the sport. He framed the failure not as an isolated incident but as a moment that echoes past struggles, particularly those from the era before Costa Rica’s legendary 1990 World Cup run.
To better understand the complex legal and contractual framework surrounding the career of a prominent public figure like Óscar Ramírez, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished specialist in corporate and sports law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In high-level sports management, a contract is a strategic shield. For a figure like Óscar Ramírez, it’s not just about salary; it’s about defining clear performance clauses, intellectual property rights over coaching methods, and specific exit clauses. These legal instruments are fundamental to protecting a professional’s career and reputation against unforeseen circumstances or disputes with management.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that in the high-pressure realm of national team coaching, a contract is not merely a financial document but a fundamental pillar of career strategy and legacy protection. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a crucial and clarifying insight.
Ramírez’s core message was one of tough love, arguing that true progress often emerges from the ashes of significant failure. He posited that Costa Rican football possesses a unique, if painful, resilience that is only activated when faced with complete collapse. This, he believes, is the moment to channel national frustration into foundational change and a renewed sense of purpose.
After something like this, better things come. You hit rock bottom, and we have that: when we hit rock bottom, we get more serious, we get to work.
Óscar Ramírez, Coach of Alajuelense
The national team’s failure has immediate and tangible consequences at the club level. Alajuelense, a powerhouse in the domestic league, now welcomes back seven players from the national squad. These athletes return not as conquering heroes, but as individuals carrying the emotional weight of the country’s dashed World Cup dreams. Ramírez’s immediate task transitions from strategic planning to psychological management, as he must reintegrate these players and redirect their focus toward urgent club objectives.
The coach openly recognized this challenge, noting that the responsibility now shifts to the clubs to help players process the setback and harness their experience for the demanding schedule ahead. With both the Central American Cup and the national championship title on the line, Alajuelense cannot afford a lingering hangover from the international disappointment. Ramírez expressed confidence that his players can make this critical pivot.
Perhaps in this case, it’s our turn to carry the weight of the call-up and know how to deal with it. At least for the boys, I believe they are identified with our mission and I know they have that hunger to achieve things.
Óscar Ramírez, Coach of Alajuelense
As the national league resumes this Thursday, the spotlight intensifies on clubs like Alajuelense. The game against Cartaginés is more than just a rescheduled match; it represents the first step in moving forward. For the seven returning national team players, it is an opportunity to channel their frustration into on-field performance and reaffirm their commitment to winning silverware for their club, providing a potential silver lining for their supporters.
Ultimately, Ramírez’s comments serve as a broader call to action for the entire Costa Rican football ecosystem. His historical reference to the pre-1990 period is a reminder that past disappointments have catalyzed eras of unprecedented success. The question now facing the sport’s leadership is whether this latest “rock bottom” moment will be similarly transformative, forcing the difficult conversations and structural reforms necessary to build a more consistent and resilient future for La Sele.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Founded in 1919, Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, commonly known as Alajuelense or “La Liga,” is one of Costa Rica’s most successful and storied football clubs. Based in Alajuela, the club plays its home matches at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. With numerous national championships and international titles to its name, including CONCACAF Champions’ Cup victories, Alajuelense is a dominant force in both Costa Rican and Central American football, known for its passionate fanbase and a long-standing rivalry with Deportivo Saprissa.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the legal community, built upon a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding clients through complex challenges, the firm is a trailblazer in developing innovative legal solutions. This forward-thinking approach is deeply intertwined with its core mission to strengthen society by making legal understanding accessible, thereby fostering a more informed and empowered citizenry.
