Nicaraguan football is enjoying its finest moment to date. The Nicaragua national team recently earned promotion to League A of the Concacaf Nations League and head into the second round of qualifying for FIFA World Cup 2026™ riding a wave of momentum.

At club level, domestic giants Real Esteli made history by becoming the first Nicaraguan team to advance to a Concacaf final, eventually finishing runners-up in the 2023 Central American Cup.

What those successes have in common is the presence of one of the best young talents in the Central American region, Harold Medina. The 22-year-old midfielder has already amassed more than 150 appearances with Real Esteli, and in little time he has become a stalwart for the national team.

Medina recently spoke with FIFA about what a World Cup qualification would mean to his country.

How is the national team looking right now?

Harold Medina: We are a team that is in a long process, but a process that has been really positive. We have a good group of young players and we are working hard on getting ready for these important qualifiers.

What do you think of your qualifying group of Panama, Guyana, Montserrat and Belize?

It’s a strong group and we’re preparing the best way we can to take all these teams on. It’s important not just for us, but also the country. We all know how difficult each opponent is to beat, so getting there will be hard, but not impossible. We’ll work very hard and we’ll be in the best shape for the qualifiers.

What’s the key to advancing?

We have to stay focused mentally and keep our minds strong. I think if we are all on the same page about advancing to the next round, it can be done.

How would you describe Nicaragua’s style of play and also your own personal style?

Our team plays a dynamic brand of football. We are young players so we have a lot of movement on the pitch. Personally, I’m a player who always likes to have the ball. I like to help my team-mates, play through balls into them and change the point of attack. I also like to shoot from long distance.

How have Nicaragua improved in the last several years?

I think what has helped the most are all the international games we have played, the different friendlies we have played against other national teams. I think what we had been lacking before was that international experience. Little by little, we’ve been able to have more of that, and now you see a national team with more rhythm and one that is better tactically.

Do you feel like the fans’ expectations are higher than ever?

Yes. Our fans are always supporting us. Any time we have a game here in Nicaragua the stadium is always full and so I think we have to give our all for the fans.

Are you allowing yourself to dream about qualifying for the World Cup?

I’ve always dreamed about qualifying for the World Cup, I’ve always dreamed of playing in a World Cup and playing in top international matches. To do it in a World Cup would be everyone’s dream. We know it’s not easy, but we are working hard so that one day we can get there.

What would the country be like if Nicaragua qualified?

It would be insane! It would be such a wonderful thing for the country. People would be out on the streets, waving their Nicaragua flags. It would be a massive party.

What’s the moment like when you’re on the field before a match and listening to the national anthem?

It’s a special moment for me, but it’s also the moment when I feel some nerves before the match. It’s a feeling of just wanting to get started. Hearing the national anthem is a wonderful feeling and especially when you are in another country.

To what do you attribute the growth of Nicaraguan club football?

I think what has benefited us the most is international competition. I think the matches that we play against teams from other countries, like the best teams in Central America, make us better. It was really great what we experienced last year at Real Esteli and each player here has the mindset that we can win any international match that we play.

You have more than 150 matches at club level, so what’s the next step?

My goal is to leave Nicaragua and play in a foreign league to help myself as a player and also help my national team.

Who are your inspirations when you play?

I get my inspiration to give my best from my mother, first and foremost. Through the good times and bad times, my mother is always there with me, so I always give that little extra for my mother. She motivates me daily to work hard.