ON THE CUSP
Young Reggae Boyz just need a draw in ‘showdown’ against Canada
Published:Wednesday | February 11, 2026 | 12:15 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Jamaica’s under-17 Reggae Boyz take on their Canadian counterpart in what their coach Wendell Downswell has labelled the ‘showdown’ in Group G to decide who qualifies from the group for the FIFA Men’s Under-17 World Cup in Qatar in November.
The teams will meet in the second of the two Group G matches at the Costa Rica Football Federation field today, starting at 3 p.m.
In the first game, Aruba play the Cayman Islands, who are both without a point, at noon.
The young Reggae Boyz lead the group on goal difference after the two teams scored victories against Aruba and Cayman, to sit on six points apiece.
Jamaica defeated Aruba 3-0 and Cayman 12-0 to hold a plus-15 goal difference while Canada were 5-1 and 3-0 winners over the respective teams for a plus-seven-goal difference.
The results mean that Jamaica require just a draw to cement their third appearance at the global youth football tournament.
Coach Downswell is expecting it to be a tough one against the Canadians.
“We look forward to the game against Canada, which will be the showdown. There are little areas we have to work on and some individual players, and we hope to see improvements in their level.
“The Canadians are a top team in the region, always well organised and efficient. So we will have to be very alert when we face them,” he said.
The Jamaicans will look to goalscoring ace Kelvin Brown, who has five goals in two games at the tournament, along with outstanding midfielder Jahmarie Nolan and Jamone Lyle, to lead their effort.
However, they will have to deal with the physicality of their opponents, who have players of superior size and good technical qualities.
Players such as Eloi Burton, Liam Torres, Quinton Belfon, and Van Parker are expected to lead their charge in a must-win game for them.