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Trinidad and Tobago Men’s National Senior Team interim head coach Derek King named as dozen attack-minded players in his 24-man squad for the 2026 Fifa Series, as he prepares to lead the Soca Warriors to Uzbekistan for his Fifa international match window of his second stint at the helm.
The Warriors face Venezuela and Gabon at the Pakhtakor Stadium on 27 and 30 March respectively, in the exhibition series which affords Fifa nations the opportunity to face exotic opponents with full strength teams.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
King faced Bolivia last week, with both nations fielding weakened teams. Trinidad and Tobago lost 3-0.
While King used five defenders against Bolivia and spent most of the 90 minutes on the back-foot, he clearly has different plans for his time in Uzbekistan.
Levi Garcia leads a host of attacking talent on King’s 24-man roster, which includes just three central defenders (Justin Garcia, Jerrin Jackie and teenager Adam Pierre), two orthodox holding midfielders (Andre Rampersad, Shervohnez Hamilton) and three right backs (Déron Payne, Rio Cardines and rookie Jaylen Yearwood).
Jackie is one from just a handful of defensive players in coach Derek King’s first Trinidad and Tobago full international squad.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
Yearwood, a United States-born defender, will make his international debut if he features at the Fifa Series. Listed as a right back, Yearwood was signed in the first round of the MLS Draft from University of North Florida and registered in the MLS Next Pro competition, which is basically a reserve league for US top tier teams.
Yearwood has just three professional games under his belt.
Noah Powder was listed as a defender and has played at full back before for Trinidad and Tobago, although he is more used to life as a bustling midfielder.
Daniel David and Duane Muckette could be classified as stylish midfield organisers.
Then, there are 10 out-and-out attackers, which includes two wingers (Reon Moore and Real Gill), two attacking midfielders (Lindell Sween and John-Paul Rochford) and five forwards (Ryan Telfer, Roald Mitchell, Nathaniel James, Jaheim Faustin and Levi).
Photo: Daniel Prentice/ Wired868.
“This is our first official camp since the World Cup qualification campaign, and the focus is clear: growth, unity, and improving as a team,” King told the TTFA Media. “We’re coming up against two very good opponents in Venezuela and Gabon, and we see this as a valuable test.
“Our objective is to compete, represent the country with pride, and continue laying the foundation as we move towards the Nations League.”
King retained nine players from Trinidad and Tobago’s trip to Bolivia, inclusive of seven TTPFL Tier One players.
(via TTFA Media.)
Veteran Joevin Jones was not included for the Fifa Series, while San Juan Jabloteh teenager Derrel Garcia also missed out. However, the Central FC pair of goalkeeper Jabari Brice and Pierre, a St Benedict’s College schoolboy, were among those who kept their spots.
“We selected a group that gives us both experience and potential,” said King. “The overseas-based players bring exposure to different levels of competition, while the young local players bring hunger and a strong desire to represent the country.
“This is part of building depth. We want internal competition and we want players pushing each other.
(via TTFA Media.)
“It’s important that we continue to create opportunities for local players to grow within the national team environment.”
King revealed that playmaker Molik Khan, left back Andre Raymond and defender Kobi Henry all miss the Fifa Series through injury, along with Poland-based defender Elijah Cordner who debuted as a substitute against Bolivia.
United States-based attackers Tyrese Spicer and Dante Sealy asked to be excused from this match window, as well as England-based midfielder Daniel Phillips.
Photo: Nicholas Bhajan/ Wired868.
However, King suggested that their absences allow others to stake their claim and increase competition for squad places.
Gilbert, who now plays in the Czech Republic, is back in the national squad for the first time since the 2025 Unity Cup, while Cardines returns from an injury-enforced layoff.
King now gets the chance to show what he can do, with some of the two-island republic’s top players.
Photo: TTFA Media.
“We’re very excited to take part in the Fifa Series,” he said. “This is an important opportunity for us to bring together a group of players from different environments both overseas and locally and continue building our national team identity.”
(Team)
Goalkeeper: Jabari Brice (Central FC), Teshorne Ragoo (Club Sando), Denzil Smith (AV Alta—USA);
Defenders: Déron Payne (FC Volendham—Netherlands), Rio Cardines (Crystal Palace—England), Justin Garcia (Song Lam Nghe—Vietnam), Adam Pierre (Central FC), Noah Powder (Westchester SC—USA), Jaylen Yearwood (Orlando City B—USA);
Photo: TTFA Media.
Midfielders: Shervohnez Hamilton (Club Sando), Jerrin Jackie (Bahla Club—Oman), Duane Muckette (Sohar FC—Oman), Daniel David (Central FC), Andre Rampersad (Halifax Wanderers—Canada), Dantaye Gilbert (FK Dukla Prague—Czech Republic);
Attackers: Levi Garcia (Spartak Moscow—Russia), Reon Moore (Song Lam Nghe—Vietnam), Jaheim Faustin, Lindell Sween (both San Juan Jabloteh), Ryan Telfer (Halifax Wanderers—Canada), John-Paul Rochford (Al-Khaboura SC—Oman), Roald Mitchell (New York Red Bulls—USA), Nathaniel James (North Texas SC—USA), Real Gill (One Knoxville SC—USA).
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Lasana Liburd is the managing director and chief editor at Wired868.com and a journalist with over 20 years experience at several Trinidad and Tobago and international publications including Play the Game, World Soccer, UK Guardian and the Trinidad Express.
