The El Salvador national football team, popularly known as La Selecta, has been one of the most passionate and competitive teams in Central American football. Over the years, the team has seen highs and lows in its FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns, CONCACAF Gold Cup performances, and regional tournaments. As of 2025, El Salvador continues to fight for better standings in international football, driven by young talent, experienced players, and evolving coaching strategies.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to El Salvador’s national football team standings, recent performances, FIFA rankings, and their journey across different tournaments. We will also explore historical data, future prospects, and expert insights to give you a complete understanding of the team’s current position and progress.
What Are Football Standings?
Football standings represent the ranking of teams in a league or tournament based on their performances. These standings are determined by factors such as matches played, wins, losses, draws, goals scored, goals conceded, and overall points. For El Salvador, standings are particularly important in three main contexts:
FIFA World Rankings
FIFA ranks national teams globally based on their performance in international matches. The higher the ranking, the better the team’s reputation.
CONCACAF Rankings
As part of the Confederation of North, Central America, and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), El Salvador’s regional standing is essential for tournament seedings and qualification rounds.
Tournament Standings
Whether it’s the CONCACAF Gold Cup, World Cup qualifiers, or friendlies, standings reflect El Salvador’s progress in specific competitions.
El Salvador National Team Standings in 2025
As of September 2025, El Salvador’s FIFA men’s world ranking is 73rd according to the latest update from FIFA. Within the CONCACAF region, El Salvador ranks 9th, behind teams like Mexico, the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, and Panama but ahead of regional rivals like Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua.
According to the latest FIFA rankings update (Source: FIFA Men’s Ranking, September 2025):
- FIFA Global Ranking: 73rd
- CONCACAF Regional Ranking: 9th
- Points: 1325.41
This positioning shows steady progress compared to 2023, where El Salvador ranked 81st globally and 11th regionally. The improvement reflects better squad depth, coaching strategies, and player development.
Recent Performance Overview (2023–2025)
El Salvador’s journey from 2023 to 2025 has been eventful, with significant developments in its World Cup qualification campaign, Gold Cup appearances, and friendlies.
World Cup 2026 Qualification
El Salvador is currently competing in the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
- In the first round, El Salvador topped its group with 4 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.
- The team advanced to the second round, where they are battling stronger opponents like Panama and Honduras.
- Key victories against Nicaragua and Curaçao boosted their chances of making it to the decisive final round.
CONCACAF Gold Cup 2025
In the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, El Salvador reached the quarterfinals, where they lost 2-1 to Costa Rica after an intense match. This performance marked an improvement compared to their group-stage exit in the 2023 edition.
Recent Friendlies
El Salvador also scheduled several international friendlies in 2024 and 2025 to test new strategies and integrate younger players into the squad. Wins against Bolivia and Trinidad & Tobago showed promising results.
Key Players Driving the Standings
El Salvador’s improved standings are largely due to the performance of key players, both domestically and internationally:
- Alex Roldán (Seattle Sounders, MLS) – Versatile midfielder and team captain
- Jairo Henríquez (Club Deportivo Águila) – Creative playmaker and consistent goal scorer
- Nelson Bonilla (Chiangrai United, Thailand) – Experienced striker with international exposure
- Eric Calvillo (El Paso Locomotive, USL) – Emerging midfield talent
The coaching staff has focused on integrating homegrown talent with international players, ensuring a balanced squad.
Tactical Evolution Under New Management
In early 2024, Hugo Pérez, El Salvador’s long-serving coach, was replaced by Carlos de los Cobos, who previously led the national team. The new managerial approach emphasizes:
- Possession-based football
- High pressing to force turnovers
- Building play through midfield creativity
- Utilizing pacey wingers for counterattacks
These tactical adjustments have already shown positive effects in the standings.
Historical Standings and Achievements
El Salvador has a rich football history, marked by both triumphs and challenges:
- World Cup Appearances: 1970, 1982
- Best CONCACAF Gold Cup Finish: Runners-up (1981, before the Gold Cup era)
- Central American Cup: Winners in 1943
- Historic Rivalries: Particularly intense matches against Honduras and Guatemala
Despite struggles in the 2000s, El Salvador has rebuilt its football program, improving youth development and club-level infrastructure.
El Salvador’s Path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
With the expanded 48-team World Cup format, El Salvador has a stronger chance to qualify in 2026. CONCACAF now has six direct qualification spots and one intercontinental playoff spot, meaning mid-tier teams like El Salvador have a better opportunity to make it to the tournament.
If the team maintains its current form, their qualification prospects are brighter than in previous campaigns.
Practical Tips for Following El Salvador’s Standings
If you are a fan or analyst following El Salvador’s national team, here are ways to stay updated:
Check FIFA.com for official global rankings.
Visit CONCACAF.com for tournament updates.
Follow Salvadoran sports news outlets like El Gráfico and La Prensa Gráfica.
Use football analytics platforms like SofaScore, FlashScore, and FotMob for live standings and statistics.
Recent Trends in Salvadoran Football (2025)
Youth Development Programs
The Salvadoran Football Federation (FESFUT) has invested heavily in grassroots development. Several U-20 players are now joining the senior squad.
Overseas Player Recruitment
El Salvador has increasingly tapped into dual-nationality players, particularly from the USA, to strengthen its squad depth.
Technological Advancements
The coaching staff has adopted data analytics to improve match preparation, analyzing heat maps, player workloads, and opponent tactics.
Real-Life Example: El Salvador vs Honduras Rivalry
One of the most talked-about fixtures in Central American football is El Salvador vs Honduras. In the 2024 World Cup qualifier, El Salvador defeated Honduras 3-1 at home, marking their first competitive victory over their rivals in a decade. That win significantly boosted El Salvador’s FIFA ranking and increased team morale heading into the next stage.
FAQ Section
What is El Salvador’s current FIFA ranking?
As of September 2025, El Salvador is ranked 73rd globally and 9th in CONCACAF.
Has El Salvador ever qualified for a FIFA World Cup?
Yes, El Salvador has qualified twice, in 1970 and 1982.
Who is the current head coach of El Salvador?
As of 2025, Carlos de los Cobos serves as the head coach.
What is El Salvador’s best performance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup?
El Salvador’s best performance was reaching the quarterfinals in recent editions and finishing as runners-up in the 1981 CONCACAF Championship.
How can I watch El Salvador’s matches live?
El Salvador’s games are broadcast on Tigo Sports, ESPN, and available on live-streaming platforms like FuboTV and Paramount+.
Final Thoughts
The El Salvador national football team is on an upward trajectory in 2025. With improved standings, better player development, and stronger tactics, La Selecta has become a competitive force in CONCACAF. While challenges remain, especially against regional powerhouses like Mexico and the United States, El Salvador’s prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup look more promising than ever before.
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