Jamaica inched closer to a historic spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after securing a 1-0 victory over New Caledonia in the intercontinental playoff semi-final on Friday morning in Mexico.
The encounter took place at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, where the Caribbean team put in a composed performance to claim their place in the decisive final.
Favoured going into the clash, Jamaica still had to maintain focus and discipline to overcome the spirited challenge posed by New Caledonia.
The breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Wrexham forward Bailey Cadamarteri found the net, giving the Reggae Boyz the lead they would hold onto until the final whistle.
With the win, Jamaica will now face DR Congo in the playoff final on March 31 at the same venue.
“The winner of that encounter will earn a place at the expanded 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the spotlight now turns to the final showdown.
In the other semi-final, Bolivia edged Suriname 2-1 and will meet Iraq for a World Cup berth.
DR Congo reached this stage by defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time during the African qualifying playoff in Morocco.
The Central African nation’s only World Cup appearance came in 1974 in the former West Germany.
