Costa Rica, once celebrated for its peaceful national identity and past sporting achievements—including a World Cup championship—has failed to qualify for the current tournament. This failure is seen as symptomatic of deeper fractures within the nation’s sense of self. Analysts suggest the country’s traditionally strong nationalistic discourse, previously centered on its commitment to peace, has diminished both domestically and on the international stage. The lack of qualification exposes underlying issues impacting national pride and unity. This decline in national projection reflects a weakening of the Costa Rican project and its core values. The situation highlights a shift in national narrative, moving away from peaceful ideals and sporting success. The failure is viewed as a significant blow to the country’s self-image.