Jamaica and Haiti Punch Tickets to FIFA U17 World Cup

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Jamaica’s U17 Reggae Boyz have carved their names into the nation’s football history books, becoming the first Jamaican team at any level to secure three World Cup qualifications following a commanding 3-1 victory over Canada here that sealed top spot in Group G in the Concacaf qualifiers on Wednesday.

The Haiti team celebrate qualification to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Photo: ConcacafThe young Boyz finished the qualifying campaign with a flawless nine points after goals from Jahmarie Nolan, Jamone Lyle, and Jaheem Bennett downed a stubborn Canadian side reduced to ten men late on.

Jamaica broke the deadlock in the 37th minute when Nolan found the back of the net, before Lyle doubled the advantage in the 53rd minute.

Canada refused to wilt and pulled one back through Van Parker’s penalty, but Bennett restored the two-goal cushion in added time to spark wild celebrations.

To compound Canada’s misery, Vincent Laurenco received his marching orders in the 85th minute after collecting a second yellow card.

Meanwhile, Haiti produced a nerve-shredding performance at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City, defeating tournament hosts Guatemala 2-1 in a winner-takes-all Group C showdown.

Sonson Jean-Baptiste emerged as the hero for the visitors, netting a first-half brace that proved decisive. The striker rose highest to power home a header from inside the box after just seven minutes, silencing the home crowd.

Guatemala responded almost immediately, with Patrick Arana capitalising on Hensen Chacón’s cross to level the scores in the 11th minute.

But Baptiste restored Haiti’s lead inside 22 minutes, unleashing a powerful drive from inside the area to complete his double and secure the vital victory.

The result confirms Haiti as Group C winners and books their place at the FIFA U17 World Cup for the fourth time in the nation’s history.

Both Jamaica and Haiti will now turn their attention to November’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar. The tournament draw is scheduled for May.