Tensions between Honduras and El Salvador have been simmering since the early 1970s due to regional disputes. The two countries faced off in the ninth World Cup qualifier from the CONCACAF region at a time when political, economic and military tensions between the two countries were mounting. Tensions between the two countries escalated after that World Cup qualifier play-off match.
The ninth edition of the FIFA World Cup, the most prestigious competition in world football, was held in Mexico in 1970. The first ever World Cup in North America took place from May 31 to June 21 of that year.
Honduras and El Salvador face off in a qualifier from the CONCACAF region to take part in the final of that World Cup. Both countries played well in the qualifiers, giving both sides the opportunity to play in the finals of that World Cup. For the first time, the two countries were moving forward in parallel with the goal of taking part in the football world stage.
The competition was held on the basis of 'Home and Away' according to the rules of World Cup football selection. The first leg match between the two teams was played on June 6, 1989 in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. Honduras beat El Salvador 1-0 in a thrilling and intensely competitive match.
Clashes also broke out between supporters of the two teams at the stadium during the match. Winning the first leg, Honduras went one step further in the fight to reach the final of the World Cup. The return leg match between Honduras and El Salvador was then held in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, on 15 June of that year. The match created a tense situation in the whole city.
Before the second leg match, some chaotic supporters of El Salvador tried to attack the hotel where the Honduras football team was staying. At one stage, they also clashed with the police. Honduran players continued to be harassed from the stadium during the second leg of the match, and even El Salvador players were accused of intentional fouls during the match.
In that unfavorable match, the Honduran football team lost 3-0 to El Salvador. The match was followed by fierce clashes between El Salvador and Honduran supporters, in which three El Salvador supporters were killed.