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Rookie Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Under-20 Team head coach Marvin Gordon thinks his team is capable of qualifying for the World Cup, as the young Soca Warriors prepare for action in the Concacaf Under-20 Qualifiers next month.
Trinidad and Tobago are grouped with hosts Costa Rica, Bermuda, Barbados and Sint Maarten, with only the winner advancing to the Concacaf Championship. The qualifying tournament runs from 23 February to 4 March.
(via TTFA Media.)
Last year, the young Soca Warriors, led by head coach Shawn Cooper, came within 90 minutes of a spot at the Qatar 2025 Fifa Under-17 World Cup, only to lose 2-0 to Costa Rica at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela.
Both teams were goalless until the 44th minute, when Trinidad and Tobago defender Adam Pierre was controversially ejected for a swing of his forearm in the penalty area.
Costa Rica went on to win 2-0.
Gordon lifted three knockout trophies (the Digicel Pro Bowl twice and the FCB Cup) in his first gig as head coach at the Defence Force between the 2015 and 2016-17 seasons, although the 2026 Concacaf Under-20 qualifiers marks his debut at the helm of the technical staff at international level.
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.
At stake in the upcoming qualifying series is not only a spot at the 2027 Men’s Under-20 World Cup, but the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics as well.
However, he is backing himself to bring glory to Trinidad and Tobago, based on the talented players at his disposal.
“We have Dominic Joseph, [Jaydon] Caprietta, Adam Pierre, Derrel ‘Zum Zum’ Garcia, Josiah Ochoa, Lashaun Morris—all quality players,” Gordon told the TTFA Media. “I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but this team has a real chance to take Trinidad and Tobago to a World Cup.”
(via TTFA Media.)
Trinidad and Tobago have not qualified for a Fifa tournament since the Egypt 2009 Fifa Under-20 World Cup, with the likes of Kevin Molino, Khaleem Hyland and Sheldon Bateau in the squad.
Gordon told the TTFA Media that preparations are going well at the Home of Football in Couva, as his current players try to emulate the crop of 2009.
At present, the National Under-20 pool comprises 32 players training locally, with additional overseas-based players expected to also audition for spots.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
“The responsibility of trying to get Trinidad and Tobago to our next youth World Cup falls on this group,” said Gordon. “Over the last few weeks, things have been fantastic. This is a fantastic group of players. They’re working hard, buying into what we want to do, and we’re focusing heavily on preparing them physically and mentally for the tasks ahead.
“Over the Christmas period we had about 42 players. We had some foreign-based players in camp and we’re expecting some English-based players to join us later this month, so we can see how they fit into the puzzle.
“It’s going to be very difficult when we have to pick the final team, because everyone is honestly fighting for a place.”
(via TTFA Media.)
Gordon hopes to play friendly internationals against Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines next week.
“We’ve been playing games against top local clubs like Defence Force, Club Sando and AC Port of Spain,” said Gordon. “But international games are always better, and these upcoming matches will really show us where we’re at. I honestly expect us to do well.”
At present, Gordon said he is emphasising “physical conditioning, mental strength and tactical awareness”, while he stressed on the quality of his supporting staff.
Photo: TTPFL.
“I surrounded myself with a lot of experience—Ross Russell, Devon Jorsling, Gilbert Bateau, Dexter Thomas—because international football demands experience,” he said.
A former standout at Malick Secondary, Gordon represented Trinidad and Tobago from National Under-14 to Senior level, although he never established himself as an international player in that talent-laden era.
Arguably, Gordon is still in the developmental stage as a coach too. However, he has been entrusted with a big job by the Kieron Edwards-led Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA).
Gordon also received the Coach of the Tournament accolade.
And he is not short of confidence.
“I’m honoured to be given this opportunity to lead our national team,” said Gordon. “I’ve been in the trenches for a while now, working as an assistant coach at Under-17 and Under-20 level (between 2022 and 2025), and I welcome this opportunity to lead.
“[…] My coaching journey started in 2009 when Ross Russell gave me the opportunity to be his assistant at Defence Force. From there I kept moving forward, doing my B Licence, A Licence, Concacaf Licence—and here I am today.”
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Great pool of talent there.
BUT,they have to synchronise as one.
When will that happen?
Next week matches are crucial.
Hope we get live updates during the matches.