The Honduras and Mexico national teams are set to clash this Friday in the first leg of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. However, the match could be jeopardized by a rainstorm currently placing the Central American country on alert.

Led by Colombian coach Reinaldo Rueda, the Hondurans will be reminded of their first home victory against Mexico, a 2-1 win 27 years ago during the qualifiers for the 1998 France World Cup, under coach Ramón Maradiaga.

The match will take place at the Estadio Francisco Morazán, the same venue where Honduras ended a long-standing dominance by Mexico 27 years ago.

Honduras, aiming for a spot in the Gold Cup and led by Rueda in his second tenure, hopes to replicate the success that led them to the 2010 South Africa World Cup. In 2023, Mexico thwarted Honduras' attempts to qualify for the Copa America.

Regarding the upcoming game, Rueda commented that the Honduran team has been performing well without any major issues, and facing a strong opponent like Mexico is motivating.

“This match against Mexico is not taken as a revenge; these games are tough, highly contested, and there's always a drive to beat Mexico,” said Rueda.

The Mexican team, managed by Javier Aguirre, arrived in San Pedro Sula on Wednesday. Angel Sepúlveda, a forward from Cruz Azul, emphasized the challenging nature of the match, stating, “We know it’s going to be a tough game, but we have the character. It won’t be easy going to Honduras, we know we’re going to play a war, and we’re going to give everything to bring back a victory.”

This crucial encounter, with implications for the Gold Cup, is awaited eagerly by both teams, with each looking to secure a crucial advantage ahead of the return leg.