Costa Rica’s national soccer team, La Sele, is gearing up for two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches, and New York Red Bulls midfielder Andy Rojas will be joining them. The young talent’s call-up underscores the rising prominence of Costa Rican players in international leagues and the country’s commitment to securing a spot in the upcoming World Cup.
Andy Rojas: A Rising Star Joins La Sele
At just 19 years old, Andy Rojas has quickly become a player to watch. His recent call-up to the Costa Rican national team highlights his impressive performances with the New York Red Bulls organization. Rojas has been making waves with Red Bulls II, showcasing his skills and potential on the field.
MLS NEXT Pro Success
This season, Rojas has participated in 19 matches with Red Bulls II, demonstrating his offensive capabilities with five goals and two assists. A highlight was his debut in MLS NEXT Pro, where he scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Atlanta United 2 on March 7th. Adding to his achievements, Rojas became the second-youngest player in the club’s history to score a brace (two goals in a single game) during a 2-1 win over Toronto FC II on October 5th, marking him as a significant talent for the team’s future.
Brief Stint in Leagues Cup
Rojas also had the opportunity to play with the first team, making his debut in a 1-1 draw against FC Juarez during the 2025 Leagues Cup. He started the match and played for 61 minutes, gaining valuable experience at a higher level of competition.
From Herediano to the Red Bulls
Before making his move to New York, Rojas spent three seasons with C.S. Herediano, a prominent club in Costa Rica’s Primera División. During his time there, he made 85 appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing six assists. He was part of the team that won the 2024-25 Primera Division title and the 2024-25 Costa Rican Super Cup, even scoring the crucial equalizing goal in the Super Cup Final against Deportivo Saprissa on July 7, 2024. Rojas’ first professional goal came on August 27, 2023, against Alajuelense.
Rojas’s Impact on the National Team
Rojas’s addition to the national team is expected to bring energy and fresh talent to the squad. He has already earned 14 appearances for Costa Rica, scoring one goal and providing two assists in 313 minutes of play. His debut was particularly memorable, as he scored just three minutes into the game against Saint Kitts and Nevis on June 6, 2024, becoming the youngest Costa Rican player to score in a World Cup qualifier at 18 years, 184 days old. He also appeared in all four matches at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, demonstrating his ability to perform on the international stage.
Recent National Team Experience
Most recently, Rojas was called up for the September camp and featured in a 3-3 qualifier draw against Haiti on Sept. 10. In addition to his senior national team experience, Rojas has also represented Costa Rica at the youth level, with six combined appearances for the Under-20 and Under-23 sides. This extensive experience at various levels of competition will undoubtedly benefit him as he continues his career.
Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers
The stakes are high as Costa Rica prepares for their upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. The team will first travel to Estadio Francisco Morazan to face Honduras on Thursday, Oct. 9 at 10 p.m. ET. Following that, they will return home to the National Stadium of Costa Rica to host Nicaragua on Monday, Oct. 13 at 10 p.m. ET.
These matches are crucial for Costa Rica’s World Cup aspirations, and the inclusion of young talents like Andy Rojas signals a bright future for La Sele. With a blend of experienced veterans and rising stars, Costa Rica is determined to make their mark on the road to the 2026 World Cup.
Interested in learning more about Costa Rica’s vibrant soccer culture or planning a trip to experience the passion firsthand? Explore our website to discover the beauty and adventure that awaits you in this incredible country!
