MIAMI, Oct 14, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Honduras defeated visiting Haiti 3-0 on Monday in a CONCACAF regional World Cup qualifying match to seize the group lead and boost their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup.

Haiti entered the contest atop Group C in North American regional World Cup qualifying on goal difference over Honduras after a 0-0 home draw between the two last month.

But Honduras, with two wins and two drawn, seized the group lead with two November qualifiers remaining to determine a World Cup spot with Haiti second on 1-1 and two drawn.

CONCACAF's United States, Canada and Mexico will serve as co-hosts of next year's World Cup, so regional qualifying was revamped. The final 12 teams were divided into three groups, the winner of each qualifying for the World Cup.

Two second-place teams will advance to playoffs with teams from other regions for World Cup berths.

Honduras striker Rigoberto Rivas opened the scoring in the 18th minute, taking a high-bouncing through ball from Kervin Arriaga and chipping it over Haiti goalkeeper Johny Placide into the open net.

Anthony Lozano lifted Honduras ahead 2-0 in the 26th minute with a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner off a pass from Luis Palma.

Romell Quioto fired in a left-footed shot from the six-yard box in the 40th minute to lift Honduras ahead 3-0 at halftime.

A later Group C match will have Nicaragua visiting Costa Rica in a meeting of winless teams.