Jamaica U-20 Complete Perfect Qualifying Run With 1-0 Win Over Puerto Rico
Jamaica booked their place in the 2026 Concacaf Under-20 Boys Championships after securing a 1-0 victory over Puerto Rico in the decisive Qualifiers – Round 1 Group B encounter on Tuesday at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca in Willemstad, Curacao.
Taking place from July 25 to August 9 at a venue still to be confirmed, the championships will see Jamaica needing a top-four finish to secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
An unbeaten run through the group stage ended with Jamaica collecting the maximum 15 points from five matches, finishing three ahead of Puerto Rico while scoring 28 goals without conceding.
Jabarie Howell provided the breakthrough in the 32nd minute when he delivered a superb free-kick that ultimately separated the two teams.
Positioned just outside the Puerto Rican 18-yard box on the left side, the Mount Pleasant Football Association player curled a right-footed effort into the far corner of the goal.
Late pressure from Puerto Rico forced Jamaica onto the defensive, particularly during the closing 15 minutes as the Caribbean side pushed hard for an equaliser.
Early in the second half, Jahmarie Nolan came close to doubling the lead but saw his close-range attempt blocked by the Puerto Rican goalkeeper in the 46th minute.
Another opportunity followed four minutes later when the Toronto-based player pulled his shot wide after a move that began deep in Jamaica’s defensive end.
During the second half, Jamaica’s goalkeeper was tested for the first time in the tournament when Puerto Rico fired a close-range effort on target.
Joshua Grant responded sharply to the danger, stretching out his left hand to tip the attempt away and preserve the clean sheet.
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