FIFA Ranking: 33 (Last Updated 05 Jun 2014)
History: Honduras has qualified twice for the World Cup - 1982 and 2010. In both the editions, they suffered first round exits. Besides, they have failed to register a single victory in the competition.
Qualifying report: Honduras took the third and last direct qualifying slot in the final six-team phase of the CONCACAF. They beat USA at home and won a crucial away encounter against Mexico which stunned the world. They kept just two clean sheets in 10 matches.
Star Players: Jerry Bengston - He scored nine goals in the qualification round and plays for New England Revolution (USA) at club level. He is a natural goal-scorer and forms a lethal partnership alongside Carlo Costly, which could cause trouble for their opponents. The duo shared 16 goals between them in the qualifiers. He famously scored the winner against Spain in the 2012 London Olympics group match.
Emilio Izaguirre is one of the most experienced left backs. He plays for Celtic (Scotland) at club level. The defender along with Wilson Palacios and Andy Najar have crucial Champions League experience. He is best known for his forays down the left flank.
Top Scorer WC Qualification 2014: Jerry Bengston (9)
Top scorer at the Cup: Antonio Laing (3)
Most World Cup caps: Gilberto Yearwood (3)
Team record at the Cup: M: 6, W: 0, D: 3, L: 3
Coach: Luis Fernando - The Colombian took charge in 2011. He has taken Honduras to two semifinal appearances in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. He led their U-23 squad to the quarter-finals at the London Olympics. He had earlier led Ecuador to the Round of 16 in the 2006 World Cup.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Noel Valladares (Olimpia), Donis Escober (Olimpia), Luis Lopez (Real Espana)
Defenders: Brayan Beckeles (Olimpia), Arnold Peralta (Rangers), Emilio Izaguirre (Celtic), Juan Carlos Garcia (Wigan), Maynor Figueroa (Hull), Victor Bernardez (San Jose Earthquakes), Osman Chavez (Qingdao Jonoon), Juan Pablo Montes (Motagua)
Midfielders: Luis Garrido (Olimpia), Roger Espinoza (Wigan), Jorge Claros (Motagua), Wilson Palacios (Stoke), Oscar Boniek Garcia (Houston Dynamo), Andy Najar (Anderlecht), Mario Martinez (Real Espana), Marvin Chavez (Colorado Rapids).
Forwards: Jerry Bengtson (New England Revolution), Jerry Palacios (Alajuelense), Carlo Costly (Real Espana), Rony Martinez (Real Sociedad)
Group listing: Group E, along with France, Ecuador and Switzerland.
Fixtures:
June 15: France v Honduras, Porto Alegre
June 20: Honduras v Ecuador, Curitiba
June 25: Honduras v Switzerland, Manaus