In a FIBA AmeriCup Qualification clash, Costa Rica secured an important 85-77 road victory over El Salvador on March 23, 2026. This result significantly impacts the qualification group standings, giving Costa Rica a valuable away win in the pursuit of a continental tournament berth. The match was a tightly contested affair for much of the game, with both teams exchanging leads. Costa Rica managed to create separation in the crucial fourth quarter through clutch shooting and key defensive stops, ultimately holding off a late surge from the Salvadoran side. The performance from Costa Rica's backcourt was a focal point, as they consistently broke down the defense to create scoring opportunities. For El Salvador, the home loss is a setback in their qualification campaign, despite a valiant effort that kept them within striking distance until the final minutes. The eight-point victory provides Costa Rica with momentum and critical points in the group table, altering the landscape for the remaining qualification fixtures. Post-match, the Costa Rican coach highlighted the team's resilience on the road, while the El Salvador manager pointed to lapses in transition defense as a key factor in the defeat.