PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — With the margin for error erased and two decisive clashes remaining, Trinidad and Tobago’s senior men’s football team is being pushed to reverse a costly trend: slow starts. Central defender Kobi Henry has made it clear — if the Soca Warriors are to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive, the fight must begin from minute one.
“The opportunity is still in our hands,” Henry emphasized following a spirited training session earlier this week. “But it starts with intent. We can’t afford to wait for the game to wake us up — we have to come out swinging.”
Currently third in Group B of the Concacaf qualifying rounds with five points, Trinidad and Tobago face group leaders Jamaica on Thursday, followed by Bermuda next week. To claim the sole automatic qualifying spot, the Warriors must win both matches. No scenarios. No slips.
While the squad has shown resilience throughout the campaign, repeatedly clawing their way back into matches, their reactive style has left them chasing momentum. Henry, a composed figure in the backline and one of the youngest members of the team, believes that narrative must end now.
“We’re at home. That matters. The fans, the pitch, the energy — it’s in our corner,” said the U.S.-based defender. “It’s time to dictate the tempo. Not respond to it.”
The return to Hasely Crawford Stadium is expected to provide a fortress-like atmosphere. The team will look to feed off the crowd’s energy, especially with stakes this high. With only the top team in the group guaranteed a spot in the next stage, Thursday’s clash against a confident Jamaican side is a defining moment.
Head coach Dwight Yorke has called in a full-strength squad, minus a few forced absences. Striker Roald Mitchell joins the fold as a fresh attacking option, stepping in amid the injury-enforced absence of dynamic winger Rio Cardines.
Despite the pressure, Henry says the mood in camp is focused, hungry, and unified.
“Everyone understands what’s at stake. But pressure is a privilege — it means we’re in the fight.”
Confirmed Squad:
Goalkeepers
Jabari Brice, Marvin Phillip, Denzil Smith
Defenders
Isaiah Garcia, Justin Garcia, Kobi Henry, Deron Payne, Noah Powder, Andre Raymond, Josiah Trimmingham
Midfielders
Kaile Auvray, Daniel David, Wayne Frederick II, Real Gill, Jerrin Jackie, Kevin Molino, Daniel Phillips, Andre Rampersad, Dante Sealy, Tyrese Spicer, Lindell Sween, Steffen Yeates
Forwards
Levi Garcia, Nathaniel James, Roald Mitchell, Ryan Telfer
With the nation watching and qualification on the line, Trinidad and Tobago’s path is clear: Start fast. Stay sharp. Finish strong.
