The Nicaragua national football team, known as "La Azul y Blanco," represents the Central American nation in international competition, governed by the Nicaraguan Football Federation. Their home matches are played at the Estadio Nacional de Fútbol in Managua. The team's colors are the blue and white of the national flag. Nicaraguan football history has been a story of battling against more established CONCACAF nations, with their greatest achievements coming in the Copa Centroamericana, where they have occasionally punched above their weight. A key era was their surprising run to the 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup, a landmark moment that inspired a generation. In the modern era, the team is working to develop a more professional structure, with a core of players based domestically and in leagues abroad, aiming to qualify for another Gold Cup. The fan base is passionate and growing, supporting the team through ups and downs. The Nicaragua national team embodies the fighting spirit and growing football culture of their nation.