AGP Executive Report

Discipline Shake-Up: Costa Rica has dropped three players—Alejandro Bran, Kenneth Vargas, and Warren Madrigal—after a shooting incident outside a bar left bullet holes in Bran’s car, just ahead of a June 10 pre-World Cup friendly vs England in Florida. Airport Accessibility: Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training staff to better support travelers with non-visible conditions. Tourism Safety Push: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote STEP, aiming to speed safety alerts for Americans during crises. Regional Politics: Costa Rica and Panama moved to cool trade frictions at the UN, agreeing on a joint agenda covering trade, customs, security, and migration. World Cup Roster Drama: In the U.S. camp, Diego Luna is reported to miss out on the 26-man squad while Gio Reyna makes it—adding to the noise around final selections.

USMNT World Cup roster lock-in: Mauricio Pochettino named the 26-man USA squad for the 2026 World Cup, with Gio Reyna in and Diego Luna out, plus a big defensive-heavy look and Tyler Adams as the lone true defensive midfielder. FC Cincinnati milestone: Miles Robinson was also confirmed, becoming the first active FCC player to reach a World Cup for Team USA. Costa Rica politics—mining fight: Four opposition blocs in Costa Rica’s legislature closed ranks to keep the 2010 Crucitas open-pit mining ban, directly challenging President Laura Fernández’s push to reopen and regulate mining. Costa Rica energy reform hit: The PLN says it will vote against the electricity market harmonization bill, threatening one of the administration’s key economic reforms. Costa Rica security crackdown: Fernández ordered polygraph tests for police chiefs and ministers as the country battles a surge in gang-linked violence. World Cup culture & travel: With the tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, the week’s coverage also keeps spotlighting preparations and fan-facing events.

Tourism & Travel Push: Costa Rica is turning up the volume on visitors, debuting an F1-style promotion in Montreal aimed at Canadians and bringing Expotur 2026 back to San José May 27–29 as arrivals keep climbing. Public Health: Costa Rica is investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to a Ciudad Colón de Mora food business, with dozens sick, some lab-confirmed cases, and a possible death. Prison Policy Watch: The government says it will adopt El Salvador’s “Zero Idleness” work-and-training model to cut costs and expand productive prison labor. Local Life Detail: A lesser-known late-night traffic rule is back in focus: after 10 p.m., drivers may not be required to wait at red lights—if they fully stop and check for danger. World Cup Spotlight: Colombia named its 26-man squad for 2026, with James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz leading the return after missing Qatar 2022.

Airline Shake-Up: JetBlue says it will cut 11 “underperforming” routes this summer, ending service from New Hampshire’s Manchester-Boston, plus cuts from Hartford, Providence, and Newark—while redeploying aircraft to grow in Fort Lauderdale after Spirit abruptly shut down May 2. World Cup Watch: Colombia named its 26-man squad for 2026, with James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz leading the call-ups. Costa Rica Infrastructure: Ruta 27 expansion (San José–Caldera) is set to start in 2027, with the first phase targeting the Escazú–Atenas stretch and a reported US$700M proposal on the table. Currency & Cost Pressures: The U.S. dollar has fallen nearly 50 colones since the year began, with analysts pointing to dollar supply in the economy and Central Bank policy. Local Environment: Costa Rica researchers confirmed a new marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, found at Playa Naranjo. Culture: Costa Rican cinema scored at Cannes, with actresses Daniela Marín Navarro and Mariángel Villegas sharing Best Actress in Un Certain Regard for Valentina Maurel’s “Siempre soy tu animal materno.”

World Cup Heat Prep: England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford says the team is heading to Florida early to train in the punishing conditions ahead of World Cup warm-ups in Tampa (vs New Zealand, June 6) and Orlando (vs Costa Rica, June 10), with cooling breaks built into matches. Anti-Cartel Push: A new U.S.-led “Shield of the Americas” coalition is expanding military and intelligence cooperation across the hemisphere, pressing Mexico for tougher cartel crackdowns. Climate Warning: Scientists are sounding alarms about a potential “Super El Niño,” with NOAA projecting a high chance of El Niño forming this year and intensifying global weather swings. Central America Watch: Costa Rica’s transport regulator approved higher bus and taxi fares after fuel-price pressure, while Nicoya officials are fighting a plan to move the July 25 annexation holiday to create long weekends. Local Culture & Policy: Costa Rican cinema scored a Cannes Un Certain Regard win, and a lawmaker filed a bill to create a National Family Day on May 15.

Annexation Holiday Fight: Costa Rica’s Nicoya leaders are pushing back hard on a bill that would move the July 25 holiday honoring the Annexation of the Partido de Nicoya to the following Monday, arguing the date is part of Guanacaste identity—not a tourism tool. Nicoya’s municipal council voted May 19 to ask lawmakers to remove July 25 from the “long-weekend” plan that would shift several national holidays. Local Costs & Daily Life: In the same week, Costa Rica approved higher bus and taxi fares after fuel-price pressure, with bus rates up 5.43% nationwide and taxi increases up to 2.82% depending on service. Regional Politics: Panama and Costa Rica keep trading barbs over agricultural trade restrictions and energy sales, with Panama suspending electricity sales after criticism from Costa Rica’s president.

World Cup Prep, Florida: England coach Thomas Tuchel added Arsenal teen Ethan Nwaneri to the pre-tournament camp in Palm Beach, joining Rio Ngumoha, Josh King and Alex Scott as “training players” ahead of friendlies vs New Zealand and Costa Rica. Costa Rica, Transport Costs: Aresep approved a fuel-driven jump in bus and taxi fares, with bus prices up 5.43% nationwide and taxi increases up to 2.82% depending on service. Costa Rica, Environment in Court: Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber kept a moratorium on tree-felling permits in the Gulf of Papagayo tourism zone tied to hotel development, extending legal limits on resort expansion. Costa Rica, Science Funding Warning: OVSICORI says earthquake and volcano monitoring is weakening as permanent funding runs out, risking failing stations. Culture Spotlight: Costa Rican cinema made Cannes history as Valentina Maurel’s “Siempre soy tu animal materno” shared Best Actress honors in Un Certain Regard.

World Cup Build-Up: England coach Thomas Tuchel added Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri to the pre-tournament Florida camp, joining other young call-ups Rio Ngumoha, Josh King and Alex Scott as England prepares for warm-ups vs New Zealand and Costa Rica. Drug Interdiction: U.S.-led operations seized 636 kilograms of cocaine after intercepting an illicit aircraft, with partners across Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Panama. Courts and Deportations: A federal judge dismissed Trump-era DOJ human-smuggling charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling the prosecution “vindictive” after his wrongful deportation. Public Safety in Costa Rica: Lawmakers are weighing tougher penalties for drivers who flee crash scenes without helping victims. Science Funding Warning (Costa Rica): Costa Rica’s earthquake and volcano monitoring network is at risk of losing coverage as stable funding runs out. Culture Spotlight: Nepal’s “Elephants in the Fog” made Cannes history by winning the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize.

World Cup Camp Watch: England’s Thomas Tuchel has added 17-year-old Liverpool forward Rio Ngumoha, Fulham’s Josh King, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott to the Florida pre-tournament setup, while a fourth player will be named later—keeping the focus on minutes and load ahead of friendlies vs New Zealand and Costa Rica. Cannes Spotlight: Nepal’s “Elephants in the Fog” made history by winning the Un Certain Regard Jury Prize, shining a light on transgender women in a society that rejects them. Costa Rica Justice & Safety: A Costa Rican bill would bring prison time for drivers who flee crash scenes without helping, while in the U.S. a judge dismissed charges against wrongly deported Kilmar Abrego Garcia, calling the prosecution vindictive. Work & AI: A new report argues AI’s job impact isn’t unstoppable—and warns tech firms benefit from framing it that way.

World Cup Build-Up: England’s World Cup squad is set, and the drama is already spilling over—Thomas Tuchel left out big names like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Harry Maguire, while handing Ivan Toney a shock recall; Tuchel also confirmed a Florida training camp where Liverpool teen Rio Ngumoha (plus Alex Scott and Josh King) will join warm-ups vs New Zealand and Costa Rica. Costa Rica–Panama Trade War: The fight escalated fast: Panama ordered the “immediate and indefinite” suspension of electricity sales to Costa Rica right after President Laura Fernández said her government would use “all mechanisms” to defend agro producers hit by Panama’s product restrictions. Global Diplomacy: Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa is gaining traction in the race to lead the UN in 2027 as the organization faces legitimacy and reform pressure. Culture & Community: Cannes’ Un Certain Regard crowned Sandra Wollner’s “Everytime,” while Costa Rican community media is training for digital self-defense amid regional persecution fears.

World Cup Shock in England: Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man England squad is set to be confirmed at Wembley, but the biggest story is already out—Harry Maguire says he’s “shocked and gutted” after being left out, alongside reports that Phil Foden and Cole Palmer are also missing, while Ivan Toney is poised for a surprise recall. Costa Rica in the Spotlight: Canada’s women’s team is heading to San José for a training camp before a June 9 friendly in Cartago. Travel Shakeups: JetBlue will end its Orlando–San José nonstop route on July 8, tightening options after Spirit’s exit. Regional Politics: A Shield of the Americas statement urges calm amid Bolivia protests, backing Bolivia’s government and warning against destabilizing moves. Local Culture & Environment: Costa Rica hosts WGI Latin America 2026 this weekend in Heredia, while new reporting highlights biodiversity bouncing back in restored forests under the country’s ecosystem payments.

Panama–Costa Rica Trade War: President José Raúl Mulino announced a retaliatory halt to electricity sales to Costa Rica, escalating the long-running farm dispute after Laura Fernández’s latest public attacks on what she calls Panama’s “trade blockade.” Diplomatic Pressure: Fernández says her government is activating international channels to defend potato, onion, and dairy producers, with the fight tied to WTO-era issues dating back to 2019. Travel Shock for Costa Rica: JetBlue will end its Orlando–San José nonstop route on July 8, following Spirit’s earlier exit—shrinking low-cost options on a key Florida corridor. Public Safety & Weather: A tropical wave battered Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, triggering flash flooding, river rises, evacuations, and road closures in Limón. Local Politics: In Belize, PM Briceño pushed back on NHI “National Hustle Insurance” claims, saying no charges are planned for basic services—while the debate continues. Sports & Culture: Jamaica’s U17 team was drawn for Qatar; Canada’s women’s team confirmed a June friendly in Costa Rica.

Urban Planning & Sport: Former Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla told the World Urban Forum in Baku that sport can be a low-cost lever for safer, healthier, more inclusive cities as 70% of the world lives in urban areas by 2050. Belize Health Policy: Belize’s UDP mocked the new NHI bill as “National Hustle Insurance,” but the PM says any user payments are only a future option, not right now. Costa Rica Flooding: A tropical wave slammed Limón’s Caribbean coast with flash flooding, swollen rivers, evacuations, and road closures, with heavy rain hitting areas like Talamanca and Sarapiquí. Currency Pressure: Exporters are pushing back on the strengthening colón, warning it’s squeezing margins and jobs, while the central bank keeps buying dollars to stabilize the exchange rate. Tourism Connectivity: Lufthansa will add flights between Frankfurt and San José, boosting weekly service for the 2026-27 season. Tech & Finance: PayPal expanded PayPal USD (PYUSD) to 70 markets, aiming for faster, lower-cost cross-border payments. Local Governance & Security: President Laura Fernández says she’ll personally oversee weekly crime and homicide monitoring through a new task force.

Costa Rica Security Push: President Laura Fernández says she’ll personally run weekly monitoring of actions against crime and homicides, meeting every Monday with top security and justice officials and inviting Supreme Court leadership into the “Task Force,” after fresh debate over how the judiciary handles cases and “pasadas” police checks. Tourism & Connectivity: Lufthansa is adding flights between Frankfurt and San José, boosting service to five weekly trips in the 2026–27 winter season with a 787-9 Dreamliner, while Breeze Airways launches new nonstop Tampa–San José service in October. Local Infrastructure: A new five-lane bridge over the Corrogres River on the Lindora bypass is now fully open, aimed at easing a major Santa Ana–Lindora bottleneck. Regional Context: Bolivia’s capital remains under siege as protests and blockades disrupt markets and even hospital oxygen supplies.

Bolivia Crisis Deepens: Protests and road blockades have put La Paz under siege, emptying markets and even disrupting hospital oxygen supplies, with at least three deaths reported after emergency vehicles were blocked. Costa Rica Travel Boost: Breeze Airways is adding its first nonstop Tampa–San José route (starting Oct. 3) and expanding Caribbean service, while Lufthansa will ramp Frankfurt–San José flights to five weekly in the 2026–27 winter season. Local Infrastructure Watch: A new five-lane bridge on the Lindora bypass is now fully open, and another bridge replacement near Juan Santamaría Airport is set to begin with phased traffic impacts. Road Safety & Data: The 8th Ibero-American meeting on data and road safety opens in Santo Domingo, with Costa Rica among participating countries. Education & Culture: Santa Clara students and alumni earn Fulbright grants, and Costa Rica’s film “Siempre soy tu animal materno” lands in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard.

Bolivia Crisis Hits La Paz: Rodrigo Paz’s government is facing a third straight week of protests and road blockades that have emptied markets and even cut hospital oxygen supplies, with clashes escalating and supporters of Evo Morales joining calls for Paz’s resignation. Regional Politics & Israel: The turmoil lands as Latin America’s right-wing shift reshapes foreign policy—Colombia’s May 31 election could decide whether the pro-Israel wave keeps rolling or stalls. Costa Rica Watch: Costa Rica’s household incomes are lagging even as GDP grows, and the country is also battling a new wave of Transito/Cosevi phishing texts aimed at stealing card and personal data. Local Infrastructure: Work is set to begin Monday on a modular bridge replacement near Juan Santamaría International Airport, with bigger traffic disruptions expected later. Trade & Travel: Costa Rica and Panama remain locked in a long-running dairy and meat tariff dispute, while airlines keep reshuffling routes, including Southwest cutting multiple international options.