A war was started following a Honduras v El Salvador World Cup qualifying match in 1969. War broke out between the two countries, following rioting related to World Cup matches between the two, which were in turn connected to political tensions between Honduras and El Salvador. The resulting conflict is known as the 'Football War'.

Honduras' first international match ended in a 10-1 defeat to Guatemala in 1921.

At Honduras' previous World Cup finals appearance in 1982, they managed to draw with the hosts Spain and Northern Ireland.