Reggae Boyz Could Face Ronaldo if World Cup Dream Becomes Reality
World Cup hosts Mexico will kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals against South Africa on June 11 at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Confirmation came on Friday after the official group draw ceremony was staged at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Defending champions Argentina are set to begin their title defence on June 12 with an opening match against Algeria.
Attention across Jamaica, however, centred on the possible destination of the Reggae Boyz should they secure qualification for the tournament.
Progression from the Inter-Confederation playoffs in March next year would place Jamaica into Group K for what would be their second appearance at a FIFA men’s World Cup.
Awaiting them in that group would be Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, with the opening fixture scheduled to be Jamaica’s first match of the finals.
The decisive moment was revealed when ice hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, serving as one of the draw assistants, selected the ball from Pot Four.
That draw outcome also applied to either the Democratic Republic of Congo or New Caledonia, who are Jamaica’s potential opponents on the road to qualification.
Colombia and Uzbekistan complete the Group K line-up.
Before any group-stage plans can materialise, Jamaica must first overcome New Caledonia on March 26, 2026, in Guadalajara.
Victory in that match would set up a final playoff meeting with the Democratic Republic of Congo for a place at the World Cup.
History shows that Jamaica’s sole appearance at a men’s World Cup came in 1998 in France.
During that campaign, the Reggae Boyz exited at the group stage after defeats to Argentina and Croatia, while earning a 2–1 victory over Japan.
Elsewhere in the draw, the United States were paired with Paraguay and will open their tournament in Los Angeles on June 12.
Curacao, who advanced from the same Concacaf qualifying group as Jamaica, were drawn into Group E alongside Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Germany.
Their opening match is scheduled for June 14 against Germany.
Haiti also learned their fate after being placed in a group that includes Brazil.
Panama completed the Concacaf representation by landing in a group featuring England.
Remember to share this article on Facebook and other Social Media Platforms. To submit your own articles or to advertise with us please send us an EMAIL at: [email protected]