Keylor Navas opened up in a recent interview with journalist Yashin Quesada about Costa Rica’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and his own path forward. The veteran goalkeeper expressed deep regret over the national team’s absence from the tournament, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Navas stressed that his disappointment stems from the impact on the nation rather than his personal role.
“It’s a disappointment for the whole country,” Navas said. “My pain isn’t about me; it’s about Costa Rica not being in the World Cup. Only God knew if we were going to qualify. The biggest sadness is knowing the country won’t be there, and that hurts the players, the fans, the media, everyone.”
When asked if the qualification failure marked a low point, Navas affirmed it did. He acknowledged a period of grief for all involved but urged moving on to focus on future competitions. “I needed it,” Navas said when questioned about his decision to step back from the national team. “It was part of a process for me, just like the six months when I didn’t play, because I had been carrying a lot with me. It wasn’t an impulse; God knew I needed it. Thanks to that, I was able to reset, and now I feel very happy and calm.”
Navas also looked back on his club career, calling his move to Pumas in Mexico the correct choice after a stint in Argentina with Newell’s Old Boys. He described his time there as positive on the field but noted off-field factors influenced his departure.
“My time in Argentina wasn’t bad. I played at a good level, and it was quite good and fast,” he explained. “For reasons unrelated to soccer, which people don’t know about, decisions must be made. I was happy, but other things weren’t right, and they were important to me.”
Retirement came up in the conversation, but Navas brushed it aside, emphasizing his current contentment and commitment. “Today I am happy. I have always tried to be consistent with my words and give 100%. There are no secrets in soccer,” he said.
Navas wrapped up by praising his Pumas teammates and the club’s dedicated supporters, highlighting his appreciation for the environment in Mexico City. The 39-year-old has appeared in several matches for Pumas this season, contributing to their push in Liga MX. His experience remains a key asset, even as Costa Rica shifts focus to rebuilding for events like the next Concacaf Nations League.
Navas’s words come at a time when Costa Rican soccer faces scrutiny after missing the World Cup for the first time since 2010. The team finished outside the qualification spots in Concacaf, behind powerhouses like the United States and Mexico. Fans and analysts alike see Navas’s reflections as a call for unity and preparation ahead.
