Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz aim to uplift their nation when they take on Trinidad and Tobago’s Soca Warriors today in a football match billed as one of the biggest in their World Cup qualifying history.
As the country grapples with the after-effects of the deadly and destructive Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, coupled with the Caribbean rivals’ struggle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts said tonight’s match at 7 p.m. (Jamaica time) at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Trinidad was no ordinary football clash.
“This qualifier is probably the most important in the history of qualifying,” Ricketts said. The Gleaner yesterday.
“As it stands, Jamaica has been destroyed, both physically and mentally, and qualifying for this tournament would certainly lift up all of Jamaica, but especially those in the west who have been displaced.”
PEOPLE’S FEELING
Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren also said the senior men’s national team – in their quest for the World Cup – had a bigger goal for today’s big match.
“We also need to be able to feel what people are feeling,” McClaren said at a news conference Monday.
“If we can come together and feel the feeling of the island, feel the feeling of the people, because they are the most important.
“The people of this island, the families, friends and Jamaicans around the world will be very proud if we achieve this,” he said of the qualifiers.
Through Tuesday, local authorities recorded 45 deaths and billions in losses as relief efforts continued for hundreds of people whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed by the Oct. 28 hurricane.
It coincides with a critical moment in Concacaf World Cup qualifying, where the Reggae Boyz take on desperate Trinidad and Tobago in a high-stakes Group 2 battle that guarantees automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup final to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Jamaica lead the zone with nine points, while Trinidad and Tobago are third with five points. Four teams are in the group – playing home and away – and Bermuda, useless after four defeats, will host second-placed Curacao (eight points), also at 7pm today. All teams played four of six matches.
The final round will be played on Tuesday, November 18, with Jamaica hosting Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago hosting Bermuda.
There will be three Concacaf four-nation group play-offs and all group winners will qualify, while the top two second-placed countries will have a second opportunity in the FIFA Intercontinental Play-offs.
“We intend to do well,” Ricketts remarked.
DOUBLE SHOT
Speaking about the upcoming qualifiers for the senior women’s national team, the JFF president further highlighted the prospects of a double whammy for Jamaican football to inspire those who were oppressed by Hurricane Melissa and the nation at large.
“The Reggae Girlz qualifiers start in two weeks, so we really want to do for Jamaica what probably no other sporting organization would do in this time of crisis,” he said.
“We have the opportunity to do our part in bringing smiles to all Jamaicans, especially those in Western Jamaica.
“So we intend to do well. We intend to win both matches and qualify for the World Cup,” he insisted.
Qualifying for the Reggae Girlz begins on Saturday, November 29 with an away match in Saint Lucia. A general election will be held in this Windwards territory on Monday, December 1, but Ricketts hopes this will not pose any problems for Jamaicans.
REGGAE FILLEZ READY
“…We will be at the heart of their political campaign. Let’s hope everything goes well,” he said. “The Girlz will be ready.
“It would be very, very important for us to qualify for the third time. Obviously we will be participating in the World Cup for the fourth time since we will host the 2031 edition,” he added, referring to their position as hosts with Concacaf partners the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“There are interesting times ahead and we want to do our best for Jamaica,” Ricketts reiterated.
audley.boyd@gleanerjm.com
