Costa Rica are one of the strongest teams in the CONCACAF Region and have qualified for three World Cups and seven Gold Cups. Starting from 1993, CONMEBOL has invited teams from other confederations to participate in the Copa América. Costa Rica has taken part three times.

Costa Rica have put in some solid performances in the World Cups. In their first appearance in 1990 they managed to reach the last sixteen. They played some very good football in 2002 but had a really tough draw and had to face eventual winners Brazil and third place Turkey.