“Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true!”
On Thursday (June 12), the 2026 Concacaf World Cup draw was made and many in T&T’s footballing contingent got the draw they desired. I should also add that many in Jamaican footballing circles were similarly as ecstatic by the prospects of playing T&T just as this country preferred the Derby with Jamaica rather than dealing with the likes of either Costa Rica or Panama.
In fact, the all-Caribbean group of T&T, Jamaica, Curacao and Bermuda would have pleased all four of the region’s teams. So whether this saying is true or not about wishes, only one team will be able to determine that come November when they automatically qualify for the World Cup 2026, the other will be seeking to be the best second-placed team of two overall from the three groups to advance to the playoffs rounds.
However, I would rather the T&T team be more concerned with this important saying: “How you start determines how you finish”, and therefore a careful analysis of the upcoming matches for T&T’s Soca Warriors need proper diagnosis in the World Cup campaign that starts in September 2025.
There are three international match windows from September to November 2025, during which each window, T&T will play two of its scheduled six matches.
September 1-9 (1st match window)
Match Day 1: T&T vs Curaçao, Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Match Day 2: Jamaica vs T&, Kingston, Jamaica.
October 6-14 (2nd match window)
Match Day 3: Bermuda vs T&T, Bermuda.
Match Day 4: Curaçao vs T&T, Curaçao.
November 10-18 (3rd match window)
Match Day 5: T&T vs Jamaica, Hasely Crawford Stadium.
Match Day 6: T&T vs Bermuda, Hasely Crawford Stadium.
And while we await the actual date of T&T’s opening match in September, whether it be fourth or fifth (most probably), we know it is Curacao who should not be underestimated, especially with leading international coach Dutchman Dik Advocat, who will be able to call on players from both the Dutch and Belgium league.
That notwithstanding, T&T must only think “win, win, win” on that date because we need to start well so we can finish on a high because the draw has allowed T&T’s last two matches to be at home to Jamaica and Bermuda. A good home win would set the tone for the second match in September away to Jamaica.
We, therefore, need the Hasely Crawford Stadium to be rocking even more than against St Kitts & Nevis and to stand behind our team and given all that is in front of us, that has become critical.
The reality is that as we all witnessed against St Kitts & Nevis for 45 minutes and against Costa Rica for sustained periods, we have a very weak defence and less some of us have feigned short memories, this has been a problem for the last 10 years and more. It is almost as if our players walk onto the field still in their nightwear and are sleepwalking (a lack of fitness not an excuse), it sadly appears to be part of our mentality and coach Dwight Yorke, I am certain will continue to address, hoping and praying for a solution.
On Sunday, T&T’s fortune ran out as the USA secured a convincing 5-0 success against a tame-looking Warriors team and but for some heroic saves from Marvin Phillip, the scoreline would have been worse. It was yet another demonstration of what is becoming a far too similar result from poor defending habits combined with abject decision-making, but it has been coming.
This perhaps more than ever emphasises the necessity for the grandparents’ law of citizenship to be passed in parliament so that efforts can be made to explore the options of some younger defenders based on the current situations, options always improve a team. The good news is that T&T Football Association (TTFA) president Kieron Edwards has stated that he is in constant conversation with Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Phillip Watts on this matter and he is confident it is being addressed.
I do not know the new minister but I do know the former T&T football captain David Nakhid and I know his great knowledge, his determination and will and that should give all of us added confidence that together through the work of both men, football is in secure and safe hands. I just hope everyone understands the importance of sports.
T&T’s midfield also appeared ponderous at times in the absence of the hard-working and skilful Andre Rampersad, a player many believed should have been in the starting lineup given the tenacity of our opponents (USA) that afternoon. But let us also be honest we have 1.4 million coaches in T&T but the coach is Dwight Yorke and while we don’t have to always agree with his decisions, T&T must always stand by the team and him once the bell rings and the matches start.
Football support is critical and that “12th Man”, yes I know, the “12th Man” is going to be critical both home and away. Edwards has stated that there will be arrangements established for supporters to travel with the team for the away matches against Jamaica, Curaçao and Bermuda and that has to be great news for all of T&T. I am certain our team would appreciate that very much and in Richard Piper, the TTFA have a man with a great track record in such arrangements.
So yes, while we are hurt from the USA defeat, the test for this team at the Gold Cup will be to prove that they belong on this international stage and if there is one trademark we have in this country, it is “bad mind” and that needs to be in full display to restore confidence in an edgy T&T crowd.
I am certain we all remember November 15, 2005 and Yorke’s corner against Bahrain which Dennis “Tallest” Lawrence buried in the back of the net in the 49th minute to send all T&T citizens both at home and abroad into complete uproar and celebrations, as never witnessed before.
Let us continue to support, and it does not mean we cannot criticise and argue among ourselves but in the end, we should not lose faith but believe and yes, ask questions but ensure we are there in voice, in numbers, through music, through dancing, through waving, through singing once the referee blows that whistle.
The next few months promise to be a ride of joy that T&T rightly deserves but for which we will need to work extremely hard both on and off the field. No one is going to hand World Cup qualification to T&T. We have to earn it and we can only do that as one nation.. one resounding voice.
Let us all BELIEVE!