Trinidad & Tobago Football Association Receives Significant Boost for 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

From left to right: TTFA president, Kieron Edwards, the Honourable Minister of Sport and Community Development, Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis; MSCD Deputy Permanent Secretary, Beverly Reid Samuel and Head of the Sport Development Unit at SporTT, Justin Latapy-George during the presentation ceremony

Government Funding Boost for Trinidad & Tobago Football Association

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMCTrinidad’s Soca Warriors received a significant boost on Thursday as they move full steam into the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers courtesy of TT$6.8 million in government funding.

The cheque, totaling TT$6,792,353, was presented to President of the Trinidad & Tobago Football Association (TTFA) Kieron Edwards by Minister of Sport and Community Development Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis as part of efforts to support the men’s national football team’s journey to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the Americas of Canada, Mexico, and the USA.

Funding Breakdown

The funds represent the first installment of a pledged US$2 million to be distributed over two years. They are expected to cover items such as coaches’ fees, support for local training, local games, foreign games, airline tickets, and other team expenses.

Qualification Process

T&T’s campaign started with a 2-2 draw against Grenada in June 2024 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

They will complete the second round of qualification with two crucial matches: home against St. Kitts and Nevis on June 6 and away against Costa Rica on June 10.

If successful, they’ll advance to the third round starting in September 2025, at which point the TTFA will be in line for another government installment.

Upcoming Matches

The Dwight Yorke-led Soca Warriors will see competitive action for the first time in March 2025, when T&T will face Cuba on a home-and-away basis in a Gold Cup preliminary matchup.

Conclusion

The government funding boost will undoubtedly be a significant factor in Trinidad & Tobago’s 2026 World Cup Qualifiers campaign. The team is poised to make a strong push towards qualification, and with the necessary resources, they will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges ahead.

FAQs

* What is the total amount of government funding pledged for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?
+ US$2 million
* How will the funding be distributed?
+ Over two years, with the first installment being TT$6.8 million
* What is the expected use of the funds?
+ Coaches’ fees, support for local training, local games, foreign games, airline tickets, and other team expenses.