TONIGHT IS ‘BONGO NIGHT’ | World Sports

Only a win will be enough for Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team when they take on CONCACAF Group B leaders Curacao in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, starting at 7pm today in Willemstad.

The Soca Warriors, third in the group with four points, need maximum points to maintain their campaign to reach a second World Cup.

Curacao currently leads with seven points, while Jamaica is second with six points. Anything less than a win could leave T&T’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Head coach Dwight Yorke said his players are fully aware of the magnitude of the challenge and what is at stake.

“We’re in a much better place, having obviously had a huge win against Bermuda,” Yorke said. “Now we come to Curacao knowing that Curacao is at the top of the table and rightly so. But we knew from the start that this group was never going to be as easy as many thought. What we did was give ourselves a chance to get back into the mix of things.”

Yorke said the team has no illusions about the task ahead, but remains confident its players can be up to the task.

“We are going to face a very difficult test in Curaçao, but we have no illusions. I have always told the players that we can only control what is in front of us,” he stressed. “They (Curaçao) are in great shape after a very good victory against Jamaica. Everyone here on the island is optimistic, and so are we. We are at a very critical stage of the competition. A victory will certainly bring us closer to qualification.”

With all 26 players fit and ready, Yorke believes the squad’s growing confidence and depth will be key to getting the job done. “That’s the beautiful thing about things getting heated,” he said.

“It’s a manager’s dream to have everyone fit and enthusiastic. We have very quickly turned this negative environment of previous results into a positive one. A win here tomorrow (today) will be huge for us, and the players are fully aware of what it will take to beat Curaçao.”

The former Manchester United striker also dismissed any concerns over the artificial surface at the Ergilio Hato Stadium, insisting adaptability will be vital.

“The surface will be a little different – ​​not the usual football pitch – but it will cater for both groups of players,” Yorke noted. “If it’s good for them, it’s good for us. We’re not going to make any excuses. If we play to our full potential, we have enough in our locker to overcome it.”

Yorke said his players must embrace the pressure of the moment and deliver when it matters most.

“Players have to stand up and be counted. If you want to qualify for the World Cup, you have to participate in these types of matches and get results. There is no hiding,” he stressed. “We have a squad capable of competing with the best in this competition. If we play to our full potential, we can win and get the result we were looking for here.”