Rumbo Al Mundial: Telemundo Presents World Cup Qualifiers and Team USA Friendlies Oct. 9-14

Telemundo Deportes

Honduras vs. Costa Rica, El Salvador vs. Panama, and USMNT friendlies against Ecuador and Australia air across Universo, Telemundo Deportes Ahora, Peacock and TeleXitos 

MIAMI, FLA. – October 1, 2025 – Telemundo’s “Rumbo al Mundial” series continues with four days of exclusive coverage of FIFA World Cup Qualifiers from Concacaf, along with two international friendlies featuring the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT). From October 9–14, a total of 11 live matches will air across Universo, Telemundo Deportes Ahora, Peacock, and TeleXitos, highlighting key regional battles and preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup 26™. 

The action begins on Thursday, October 9 with a special edition of Rumbo al Mundial Extra at 7:30 p.m. ET, hosted by Carmen Boquín, with commentary from José Luis López Salido and Honduran legend Carlos Pavón. Then, Nicaragua faces Haiti at 7:55 p.m. ET, followed by a must-see showdown between Honduras and Costa Rica at 9:55 p.m. ET, called by Copán Álvarez, Diego Balado, and Pavón

On Friday, October 10 at 8:00 p.m. ET, the USMNT faces Ecuador in the first of two friendlies, offering fans a chance to see how the team is shaping up under Mauricio Pochettino. The second match comes on Tuesday, October 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET against Australia, airing live on Universo, Peacock, and TeleXitos.  These games serve as critical opportunities for squad evaluation, especially with the World Cup less than a year away. 

This window marks a crucial phase in the Road to the FIFA World Cup, with Rounds 3 and 4 of 6 being played in Concacaf’s final qualification stage. Only the three group winners will qualify directly to the World Cup, while the two best second-place teams will advance to an intercontinental playoff next March. 

  • Costa Rica, coached by Miguel “Piojo” Herrera, is still seeking its first win after draws with Nicaragua and Haiti. The Ticos face group leader Honduras, who beat Nicaragua and tied Haiti to remain undefeated.
  • In Group A, Panama has drawn both of its opening matches and now faces a tough road match against El Salvador, who earned a win against Guatemala but fell to a surprise Suriname, current group leader.
  • In Group B, Jamaica is the only team with a perfect record so far, leading its group after strong early performances.

The outcomes of this match window will go a long way in shaping the World Cup picture for Concacaf nations. 

Match Schedule on Universo, Telemundo Deportes Ahora, Peacock and TeleXitos: Oct. 9-14

Date Time (ET) Match Platform 
Thur., Oct. 9 7:30 p.m. Rumbo Al Mundial Extra Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
7:55 p.m. Nicaragua vs. Haiti Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
9:55 p.m. Honduras vs. Costa Rica Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
Fri., Oct. 10 4:30 p.m. Rumbo Al Mundial Extra Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
4:55 p.m. Suriname vs. Guatemala Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
6:50 p.m. Curacao vs. Jamaica Telemundo Deportes Ahora 
8 p.m. USMNT vs. Ecuador Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
8:50 p.m. El Salvador vs. Panama Telemundo Deportes Ahora 
Mon., Oct. 13 7:30 p.m. Rumbo Al Mundial Extra Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
7:55 p.m. Honduras vs. Haiti Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
9:55 p.m. Costa Rica vs. Nicaragua Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
Tue., Oct. 14 6:50 p.m. Curacao vs. Trinidad and Tobago Telemundo Deportes Ahora 
8:30 p.m. USMNT vs. Australia Universo, Peacock, TeleXitos 
9:50 p.m. El Salvador vs. Guatemala Telemundo Deportes Ahora 

Join the conversation at @TelemundoDeportes on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok using hashtags #RumboAlMundial and #MundialTelemundo. 

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About NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises:  

NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises leads the media industry in the production and distribution of Spanish-language content for U.S. Hispanics and audiences around the world. The company serves U.S. Hispanics through its national broadcast network, the cable network Universo, and digital platforms including the Telemundo app, a suite of FAST channels, and streaming services, such as Peacock, among others. The Telemundo Network offers Spanish-language entertainment, news, and sports content reaching 95% of U.S. Hispanic TV households in 210 markets through 30 owned stations and 91 affiliate stations. Telemundo also owns an independent station serving Puerto Rico. Anchored on Telemundo Studios, the network is the #1 producer of scripted Spanish-language content in the U.S., and the only network to produce original content specifically for US Hispanic audiences. Offering over 600 hours of reality TV shows a year, and top-rated live specials such as the Billboard Latin Music Awards and Miss Universe, Telemundo is considered the undisputed Home of Live TV in Hispanic media. The network is also the exclusive Spanish-language home of the world’s two most popular sporting events, the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games. NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises is a division of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. 

Media Contacts:  

Eva Mejicanos; Eva.Mejicanos@nbcuni.com; (786) 459-4057 

Melissa Lopez; Melissa.Lopez1@nbcuni.com; (786) 889-3914