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The Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team will face Russia in an international friendly contest at the Kaliningrad Stadium on Oktyabrsky Island, Kaliningrad on 9 June.
The outing was confirmed by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) today and is likely to be one of two matches during the next Fifa match window, which runs from 1-9 June.
(via TTFA Media.)
Russia are ranked 36th in the world at present. However, the North European outfit were banned from participation in the 2022 and 2026 World Cup qualification series, due to their government’s decision to invade Ukraine.
Soca Warriors interim head coach Derek King suggested that Russia should provide a good test for his players, as they prepare for a second straight season in the Concacaf Nations League A.
“This is a very good game for us at this stage of our preparation,” King told TTFA Media. “As we continue to build and develop our squad ahead of the Nations League in September, matches of this level provide the kind of competitive environment our players need to grow, both individually and collectively.
(via TTFA Media.)
“As head coach of the Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Team, I welcome this upcoming international fixture against Russia as an important step in the team’s ongoing development. We also have a couple of other friendly games lined up, which will further support our preparation.”
Russia are Trinidad and Tobago’s fourth international opponent already in 2026, after Bolivia, Venezuela and Gabon. All four nations are ranked in Fifa’s top 100 teams.
King is still searching for the first win of his second stint at the helm. He has argued that there have been signs of progress, though.
The Warriors lost 3-0 away to Bolivia on 15 March before a 4-1 loss to Venezuela and a penalty shootout defeat to Gabon (following a 2-2 draw) on 27 and 30 March respectively.
“Our focus is on improving our structure, strengthening our identity, and ensuring that we are competitive at every level,” said King. “This match allows us to test ourselves against quality opposition while continuing to build the chemistry and discipline required for Nations League football.”
(via TTFA Media.)
For Trinidad and Tobago captain, Levi Garcia, the upcoming outing represents a historic opportunity for him to wear his nation’s colours in the land of his current employers.
Garcia, 28, signed for Spartak Moscow in February 2025.
“Russia is a place where Levi has established himself professionally, and it will be a proud and special moment for him to represent his country there,” said King noted. “It’s always important when our players can connect their club experiences with the national team, and I know he will embrace that responsibility.”
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
The Kaliningrad Stadium, the venue for the Russia-T&T exhibition, hosted four games at the Russia 2018 World Cup and seats 35,000 patrons. It is the home venue for Russian Premier League team, FC Baltika Kaliningrad.
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Derek King must leave!
We need a new permanent European head coach and staff to avoid being relegated to League B in the Concacaf Nations league 2026-27!
Our FIFA rankings are low & this has to change at once!
If the TTFA successfully finds & hire a foreign experience coach and staff from europe who are on a competitive & top level, our rankings will rise again & we will continue winning ways…
Derek King will not be a successful coach! if we keep him, we’ll be relegated in the Concacaf Nations League A to B! the TTFA president doing nothing to find top long-term permanent coach from Europe!
Exactly! The TTFA president doing nothing to sack Derek King! All he thinking about is local coaches instead of foreign coaches from Europe! That is poor leadership, why he sacked Dwight Yorke in the 1st place despite World Cup 2026 exit!?