The 1969 Football War: El Salvador vs. Honduras

El Salvador and Honduras never fought a full-scale war. The closest conflict was the Football War (1969), triggered by World Cup qualifying matches, riots, and underlying border/immigration tensions.

• Duration: Four days of active combat.
• Casualties: At least 3,000 dead; 6,000–13,000 wounded.
• Outcome: Ceasefire brokered by OAS; no territorial changes. Border disputes persisted until a 1992 ICJ ruling.

The "war" underscores how sports, nationalism, and demographic pressures can ignite brief but deadly confrontations.