# Costa Rica national football team management > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-national-football-team-management > Updated: 2026-10-21T21:57:30.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 8. The Costa Rican Football Federation (Fedefútbol/FCRF) has officially appointed Bryan Ruiz as the permanent head coach of the national football team. This appointment follows a period where Ruiz served as interim manager, securing victories against Nicaragua and Haiti to help the team avoid relegation to League B of the CONCACAF Nations League. The decision follows the dismissal of former coach Fernando Batista. Ruiz, a legendary figure who participated in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups, becomes the first Costa Rican national to lead the senior national team since Ronald González in 2021. This long-term project is intended to see Ruiz guiding the squad through the 2030 World Cup cycle. His technical staff includes assistants Wílmer ‘Pato’ López and Christian Bolaños, video analyst Ariel González, and physical trainer Marcelo Tulbovitz. Wardy Alfaro is scheduled to join the staff in January 2027. Upon the finalization of his appointment, Ruiz faces immediate competitive fixtures in November, including friendly matches against Ecuador in Guayaquil on November 13 and Argentina in Córdoba on November 17. Regarding the upcoming match against Argentina, FCRF Secretary General Gustavo Araya clarified that the federation will receive payment for the friendly, dismissing rumors that the federation would be responsible for all travel and match expenses. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-21: Bryan Ruiz appointed head coach of Costa Rica national team Costa Rica has officially named former star Bryan Ruiz as the head coach of the men's national team, tasking him with leading the squad toward the 2030 World Cup. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-ruiz-appointed-as-costa-rica-national-team-head-coach ### 2026-10-19: Bryan Ruiz appointed head coach of Costa Rica national team Bryan Ruiz has been officially named head coach of the Costa Rica national team, leading a new era aimed at the 2030 World Cup. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-rica-national-football-team-appoints-bryan-ruiz-as-head-coach ### 2026-10-14: Bryan Ruiz nears official appointment as Costa Rica national team coach Fedefútbol is expected to officially appoint Bryan Ruiz as the permanent head coach of Costa Rica's national team following successful interim matches and a verbal agreement for a long-term project. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-ruiz-nears-official-appointment-as-costa-rica-national-team-coach ### 2026-10-10: Bryan Ruiz nears permanent Costa Rica national team coaching role Bryan Ruiz is nearing a permanent appointment as the head coach of the Costa Rica national team, with an official announcement expected following successful interim results. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-ruiz-nears-permanent-costa-rica-national-team-coaching-role ### 2026-10-07: Bryan Ruiz agrees to lead Costa Rica national football team Bryan Ruiz has agreed to lead the Costa Rica national team, though contract details and staff selection are pending. His recent interim management helped stabilize the team's CONCACAF ranking. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-ruiz-agrees-to-lead-costa-rica-national-football-team ### 2026-10-05: Bryan Ruiz weighs future as Costa Rica national team coach Following two victories with the Costa Rica national team, interim coach Bryan Ruiz is considering his future, stating he will analyze whether to stay based on the best interests of the country and his family. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-ruiz-weighs-future-as-costa-rica-national-team-coach ### 2026-10-03: Bryan Ruiz advocates for Costa Rican national to lead Costa Rica team Costa Rica's interim manager Bryan Ruiz advocates for a Costa Rican national to take over as the permanent head coach, citing the need for a leader who understands the local players and culture. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bryan-ruiz-advocates-for-costa-rican-national-to-lead-costa-rica-team ### 2026-10-02: Costa Rica defeats Nicaragua 3-0 under interim coach Bryan Ruiz Costa Rica defeated Nicaragua 3-0 in an interim match led by Bryan Ruiz, featuring a first international goal from Kenyel Mitchell and a focus on defensive organization. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/costa-rica-defeats-nicaragua-3-0-under-interim-coach-bryan-ruiz --- Cite as: Costa Rica national football team management. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-national-football-team-management