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Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team head coach Dwight Yorke put a brave face on his team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, as he suggested the Soca Warriors have closed the gap on Jamaica and have a bright future ahead.
The Soca Warriors needed a win against Jamaica at the Hasely Crawford Stadium last night to have any chance of advancing to the Inter-confederation play offs, after a loss away to the “Reggae Boyz” and successive draws with Curaçao.
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However, they could only manage a 1-1 draw. It means Trinidad and Tobago’s final group match against Bermuda in Port of Spain next Tuesday is strictly for academic purposes, with Jamaica and Curaçao alone fighting for first and second place.
“It does feel like a defeat to us,” said Yorke, in last night’s post-game press conference. “I can tell you that we are disappointed with the result, but I can’t tell you how proud I am of these players—what they have given in the past year since I have taken this job.
“[…] We are hurting; there are no two ways about that. We are hurting because we’ve given everything, we dominated Jamaica in every sense. You know the stats don’t lie.”
The statistics supported Yorke’s assessment. Trinidad and Tobago had 62 percent of possession, took 17 shots to Jamaica’s 6, and created three big chances.
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Jamaica’s only shot on target was Renaldo Cephas’ second half goal, which came against the run of play off a Trinidad and Tobago corner kick.
“Of course, stats do not win you football matches,” Yorke said. “It’s just a fine line. We haven’t been able to close the games off.”
It followed the all-too-familiar script of the Curaçao matches—Trinidad and Tobago’s promising displays falling short because of the lack of a cutting edge.
Yorke left the team’s all-time leading scorer, Kevin Molino, on the bench until the second half. The 35-year-old playmaker entered the contest with Trinidad and Tobago trailing, and got the equalising goal.
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The former Manchester United star defended his decision to omit Molino from the starting lineup and use three “ball-winners” (Jerrin Jackie, Andre Rampersad and Daniel Phillips) instead.
“We felt that Jamaica [were] always trying to get a point to eliminate us from the competition,” said Yorke. “They are a physical team. We felt [we needed] to go physical in there for the first 45 to 60 minutes and try and try and rattle them. And we did.”
Yorke said the second phase of his plan was to use three at the back, advance his fullbacks, tuck in his wingers, and unleash Molino. And he said his strategy worked to a ‘T’.
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“When you see that your game plan is working… you are going to say that was well thought out,” Yorke said. “[…] I am the coach. I make the decisions. Unfortunately, we did not get the result, but everything that we put in practice worked.
“Jamaica had only one shot on target, and they scored from it… Ultimately, we just [couldn’t get] that final goal.”
Molino’s goal—the 27th of his international career—puts him just one goal behind Arnold Dwarika, who is in fourth place on the all-time list.
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However, the Trinidad and Tobago team’s five goals in their five matches told the story of their failure to seal a spot in the World Cup, despite promising performances.
Yorke said the paucity of decisive ‘number nines’ on the Men’s National Senior Team was part of a global trend.
“Number nines in the world—not just in Trinidad—have become a rare thing,” he said. “It’s a dying breed in the world of football. There are not too many great number nines out there.”
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Yorke used several players in the forward position, but felt that Levi Garcia was his best option.
“I think Levi has also been outstanding throughout the campaign,” said Yorke. “He has led the team with Molino not being there. At times, he is the one that is really taking on the battle.”
Despite Trinidad and Tobago’s failure to advance from the group, Yorke said their performances with Jamaica are evident of his team’s growth.
Both men are former Manchester United employees.
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“When I took the job, Jamaica’s ranking was so much more superior to us,” he said. “I felt that if we were to qualify for the World Cup, then we had to have a benchmark around Jamaica.
“We never felt that we were outplayed by Jamaica once… I don’t think there is much difference between the teams. The gap has closed […] and the evidence suggests that clearly tonight.
“I think that Jamaica would say they were fortunate to come away with a point today.”
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Jamaica coach Steve McClaren’s own post-game feelings were a mix of relief and irritation. The Englishman felt the draw was a good result—but not after they were so close to a win.
“Obviously, after scoring first and the way we defended, I thought we could hold on,” said McClaren. “Just one slip up and it cost us the equaliser.
“Before the game, it was asked if I would take a draw, I said I would. But having been so close to a win, it does feel like a disappointment.”
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McClaren hopes that Jamaican football fans come out in their numbers next Tuesday, as they try to get past Curaçao and book a direct berth to the World Cup.
For Trinidad and Tobago, a win over Bermuda will not change their fate, but Yorke stressed the need to maintain standards and build continuity.
“The players will be up for Bermuda because we want to finish the campaign on a high and continue that unbeaten run at home,” he said. “[…] Apart from playing the game, [coaching Trinidad and Tobago] is one of the proudest moments of my career.
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“To be in these circumstances with the team, going into battle, I wouldn’t want any other team in the world.”
Yorke’s contract runs for another six months, and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has not yet indicated if it wants the former national captain to continue.
“People above my pay grade make those decisions,” he said. “I think that I am happy to see those six months out, if required. I want to complete the job with a victory over Bermuda come Tuesday.
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“[…] Whatever the outcome is, Trinidad and Tobago football is in a good place.”
When TTFA president Kieron Edwards hired Yorke as a permanent replacement for Angus Eve, last November, the Soca Warriors were ranked 102nd in the world.
In the 13 months since, Yorke led his team into 12 competitive matches with four wins (Cuba twice, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Bermuda), five draws (Curaçao twice, Haiti, Saudi Arabia and Jamaica) and three defeats (Costa Rica, United States and Jamaica).
St Kitts and Nevis, ranked 151st in the world by Fifa, is the highest ranked team that the Soca Warriors have defeated during coach Dwight Yorke’s tenure.
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The Warriors are now ranked 100th in the world. Yorke described his tenure so far as one of growth.
“I am so proud to be the coach of these very young boys,” he said. “They will continue to grow, and I think the future is really bright for Trinidad and Tobago football.”
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Vidia S Ramphal is a Trinidad and Tobago sports journalist, commentator, and producer with a passion for storytelling across cricket, football, athletics, and more. A UWI Psychology graduate with training in broadcasting and PR, Vidia brings insight, wit, and Caribbean flair to every assignment—whether behind the mic, in print, or on the sidelines.
