TEGUCIGALPA, Nov. 4 (Xinhua) -- Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda has named uncapped forward Erick Puerto in his squad for decisive World Cup qualifiers against Nicaragua and Costa Rica, the Honduran Football Federation said on Tuesday.
Puerto, 24, has been a revelation in Honduras' top flight this season with 11 goals in 14 games for Platense FC.
Rueda also recalled Nashville midfielder Bryan Acosta, who last represented his country in a 2-0 victory over Mexico last November.
Honduras will face Nicaragua in Managua on November 13 and Costa Rica in San Jose five days later.
Rueda's team is currently top of Group C in the final round of the CONCACAF region's qualifiers with eight points, two ahead of second-placed Costa Rica.
The top team from each of the three groups will automatically qualify for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The two best-ranked runners-up will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs.
Honduras is aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since the 2014 edition in Brazil, when it was eliminated in the group stage. ■
