Bryan Ruiz appointed head coach of Costa Rica national team

The Costa Rican Football Federation (FCRF) has officially appointed former national team captain Bryan Ruiz as the head coach of the men's senior national team. Ruiz, who previously served as an interim manager during matches against Nicaragua and Haiti, will lead the team with a focus on the long-term goal of qualifying for the 2030 World Cup.

Ruiz's technical staff will include assistants Wilmer López and Christian Bolaños, along with video analyst Ariel González. Wardy Alfaro is scheduled to join the coaching staff as an assistant in January. This appointment marks Ruiz's first official role as a head coach for a major senior team, following his experience coaching youth leagues and serving as an assistant at Alajuelense.

Under the new leadership, Costa Rica is scheduled to face Ecuador in Quito on November 13, followed by a match against Argentina in Córdoba on November 17. FCRF Secretary General Gustavo Araya clarified that the federation will receive payment for the upcoming friendly against Argentina, dismissing rumors that the federation would be responsible for all travel and match expenses.