With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Guyana is daring to dream big. The Golden Jaguars have been drawn into a formidable Group D alongside Panama, Nicaragua, Montserrat, and Belize for the Concacaf Qualifiers.
However, the team’s aspirations are not deterred by the challenges they face. In a remarkable show of support, the Government of Guyana is investing heavily in the Golden Jaguars’ preparation, funding international friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago as a vital step towards their ultimate goal.
“The investment we are making in the Guyana national football team, we have never made this level of investment before,” stated Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr. “If we want to give ourselves an exceptional or distinct opportunity to succeed at the World Cup level, then they have to play better teams, and that is something we have been organizing.”
Overcoming Infrastructural Deficiencies
Despite facing significant infrastructural challenges, including a lack of suitable football facilities, the Golden Jaguars are determined to defy the odds. During their previous 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, the team was forced to play only one home game due to the shortage of venues that meet international standards.
“When one considers the severe lack of some basic facilities and infrastructure necessary for the game to be played, our team’s qualification and promotion to league A should be seen as a monumental achievement,” remarked Wayne Forde, president of the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).
Nonetheless, the Golden Jaguars have shown flashes of promise, with their most significant advancement coming in their quest for the 2014 World Cup, where they reached the penultimate round in the CONCACAF region, facing eventual qualifiers Mexico and Costa Rica.
A Blend of Local and International Talent
Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz has assembled a squad that combines the best of local and international talent. The team’s attacking prowess will rely heavily on Omari Glasgow, the leading scorer and talisman who plies his trade with Chicago Fire in the MLS NextPro League, and Osaze De Rosario, a forward for Seattle Sounders.
Additionally, the Golden Jaguars will benefit from the services of Nathan Moriah-Welsh, a recent signing for Scottish Premier League side Hibernian FC, who has not represented Guyana since scoring in their 6-0 victory over Antigua and Barbuda in the final Nations League game last year.
The locally-based contingent includes key players from Slingerz FC, the Guyana Defence Force, and Western Tigers, bringing a wealth of domestic experience to the team.
A Challenging Road Ahead
Guyana’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is arduous, but the team is undeterred. In the Second Round of qualifying, they will play four matches, evenly split between home and away fixtures, against their Group D opponents. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Third Round, where they will be drawn into three groups of four, with the three group winners qualifying directly for the World Cup.
The Golden Jaguars’ campaign kicked off with a lost, 2-0, against Panama, currently ranked third on the CONCACAF Index, while Guyana occupies the 19th position.
A Unifying Force for a Nation
Beyond the confines of the football pitch, the Golden Jaguars’ World Cup quest holds significance for the entire nation of Guyana. President Dr. Irfaan Ali has thrown his weight behind the team, recognizing the transformative power of sports in uniting and inspiring a country.
“If we can’t find a common purpose, given our shared aspiration to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and we can’t make a concerted effort to put the fundamental things in place, then if, for some reason, we’re unable to secure a spot for 2026, we would’ve built infrastructure to improve our chances in every cycle,” Forde remarked, highlighting the long-term vision for Guyana’s football development.
As the Golden Jaguars take to the field, they carry the hopes and dreams of a nation on their shoulders. While the road ahead is fraught with challenges, their determination and the unwavering support of the government and the people of Guyana promise to fuel their quest for an unprecedented achievement.
