Hearts forward Kenneth Vargas is one of three players from Costa Rica who have been removed from the squad due to disciplinary issues ahead of the national team’s international friendlies against Colombia and England.
Alongside Vargas, Warren Madrigal, who is with MLS club Nashville SC, and Alejandro Bran of LD Alajuelense are also excluded from the matches against Colombia on June 1 in Bogotá and England on June 10 in Orlando.
Local authorities are investigating an alleged shooting incident in which Bran’s vehicle was struck multiple times during a disturbance outside a bar in San José’s Los Yoses neighborhood early Monday morning.
Although the Costa Rica Football Federation (FCRF) did not specifically reference the shooting, they issued a statement explaining that Bran was removed from the June friendlies “due to unmet conditions for continued participation with the team.”
Shortly after, the FCRF released another statement confirming the exclusions of Vargas and Madrigal from the training camp.
“This decision aligns with the established guidelines for all national team members,” the statement noted.
The FCRF emphasized that discipline and adherence to rules are vital pillars for all national squads, stating, “These values represent an essential aspect of the responsibility involved in representing our country.”
– World Cup 2026: England’s pre-tournament friendlies: Who do they play, dates, venues, how to watch
–
Explained: Why Rio Ngumoha, Josh King, Alex Scott, Jason Steele aren’t in World Cup squad but will train with England
–
Eleven unlucky players to miss out on England’s 2026 World Cup squad
LD Alajuelense has also taken measures against Bran and Vargas, who is currently on loan at the Costa Rican club from Hearts until December 31.
“Liga Deportiva Alajuelense announces that, following a thorough review of recent events and in strict adherence to our institutional principles, we have decided to immediately suspend players Alejandro Bran and Kenneth Vargas from the organization,” stated the club.
Costa Rica failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and appointed Fernando Batista as the national team coach in March, under a contract extending to the 2030 World Cup.