Hummingbirdz roar into 2027 World Lacrosse Championship with Puerto Rico rout

Jamaica’s Hummingbirdz delivered a statement victory in front of their home supporters Friday, defeating Puerto Rico 13-6 at Stadium East to punch their ticket to the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship.

The qualification was more than another milestone for Jamaican lacrosse. Securing it on home soil, during the Pan American Men’s Lacrosse Championship, gave the achievement a significance that resonated throughout the team and the local lacrosse community.

With the victory, Jamaica finished second in Pool A behind defending world champions the United States and advanced to the Pan American Championship’s bronze-medal match.

A fast start sets the tone

The Hummingbirdz wasted little time establishing control.

Jamaica outscored Puerto Rico 3-1 during the opening quarter before producing an even more emphatic second period, adding five goals while allowing only one.

That 8-2 halftime advantage gave the hosts considerable breathing room and put the qualification target firmly within reach.

Jamaica added three more goals in the third quarter, building a commanding 11-2 advantage before Puerto Rico finally found greater success in the closing period.

The visitors won the fourth quarter 4-2, but by then the damage had been done. Jamaica had already created too substantial a cushion, closing out a 13-6 victory that secured its place among the world’s elite for another championship cycle.

Wilson: “We are a power in the world”

For head coach Mark Wilson, the qualification carried an emotional dimension because it allowed Jamaica’s players and coaches to see the payoff from years of work within the sport at home.

“I can tell you, it’s the best thing. My favourite thing about being here for this tournament is being able to put this level of play on the field in Kingston, in front of our local players and coaches, and let them know that the work they’re doing feeds into this, and hopefully what we’re doing also shines a bright light back on them,” Wilson said.

He believes the achievement also strengthens Jamaica’s claim as a serious international force.

“I think this is the most important and most special [one], to really solidify the fact that we are a power in the world or a team that should be reckoned with.”

That message was reflected in the way Jamaica approached the decisive Pool A encounter. Rather than allowing the pressure of qualification to dictate their performance, the Hummingbirdz seized control early and maintained their advantage throughout the critical stages.

Hutchinson: “We have closed one chapter”

Jamaica Lacrosse Association president Calbert Hutchinson shared Wilson’s pride, emphasizing the importance of reaching another global championship.

Hutchinson said Jamaica’s position within regional and international lacrosse had given him confidence that qualification was within reach.

“I am immensely proud and happy for our head coach and our coaching staff and the entire team. Now we have closed one chapter which is to qualify for the world championship 2027,” Hutchinson said.

That chapter was closed emphatically, with Jamaica securing the required result before turning its attention toward an even bigger challenge.

Third straight World Championship berth

Jamaica Olympic Association president Christopher Samuda also hailed the achievement, pointing to the consistency the program has established at the highest level.

The 2027 qualification represents Jamaica’s third consecutive World Championship appearance, reinforcing the Hummingbirdz’ emergence as a force beyond the Caribbean.

“We are very proud of them, we will continue to invest in them, we will continue to encourage them, but this is something that Jamaica should be very proud of,” Samuda said.

For a sport that continues to build its footprint locally, the achievement provides another powerful showcase for the work being done by players, coaches and administrators across Jamaica.

Bronze medal next

The qualification celebrations will be brief.

Jamaica’s next assignment is already set: a bronze-medal showdown against Haudenosaunee at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday.

Wilson knows the challenge will be considerably greater. Haudenosaunee are ranked among the world’s top three teams, meaning Jamaica will face an opponent of exceptional quality with a Pan American medal at stake.

But the Hummingbirdz enter that contest with something already secured: another place on the sport’s biggest international stage.

After earning their ticket to the 2027 World Lacrosse Championship before a home crowd, Jamaica can now chase bronze with the pressure of qualification removed, and the opportunity to make an already historic tournament even more memorable.