Honduras started 2017 playing at Panama City against Nicaragua for the 2017 Copa Centroamericana, a cup which they eventually won, representing their 4th regional title. On 24 March, Honduras suffered its biggest defeat ever in a FIFA World Cup qualification game after losing 0–6 against United States. During the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, Honduras drawn 0–0 in a Group A match against French Guiana. A game in which the South Americans fielded an ineligible player. Florent Malouda had made 80 appearances for France between 2004 and 2012; therefore violating FIFAs regulations. Two days later, CONCACAF released a statement forfeiting the match by a 3–0 score to Honduras. In the last match day of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Honduras defeated Mexico in San Pedro Sula and finished in 4th position. For the first time, Honduras played in an Inter-confederation play-off against Australia, however, they failed to qualify to their third straight FIFA World Cup.