MIAMI, Florida — The road to the 2025/26 Concacaf W Championship produced its share of dominant performances, dramatic victories, and breakout moments.
But when the dust settled on the qualifiers, the Caribbean’s elite players had firmly established themselves among the region’s brightest stars.
As Costa Rica, El Salvador, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, and Panama secured qualification for the upcoming Concacaf W Championship, several players from the Caribbean emerged as standout selections in the tournament’s official Best XI.
From ruthless finishing to commanding midfield play and heroic goalkeeping displays, the region’s players delivered performances that shaped the outcome of the campaign and reinforced the Caribbean’s growing influence in women’s football.
Khadija Shaw powers Jamaica forward
At the forefront of Jamaica’s qualification push was captain Khadija Shaw, whose explosive attacking form made her one of the most feared forwards in the competition.
The Reggae Girlz talisman tore through opposing defenses, scoring nine goals while also contributing an assist during the qualifying campaign. Her influence extended beyond finishing, as she also completed 91 passes in Jamaica’s march to the championship tournament.
Shaw’s ruthless efficiency in front of goal proved central to Jamaica’s successful qualification run and reaffirmed her standing as one of the premier attacking players in the region.
Dumornay once again commands the spotlight
While Shaw delivered brilliance for Jamaica, few players across the qualifiers matched the complete dominance displayed by Melchie Dumornay of Haiti.
Already recognized as the back-to-back Concacaf Women’s Player of the Year, Dumornay once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the most electrifying talents in women’s football.
The Haitian star orchestrated her nation’s qualification campaign with remarkable authority, finishing with three goals, four assists, and 114 completed passes as the Grenadières secured another appearance at the Concacaf W Championship.
Whether driving attacks from midfield or unlocking defenses with precision passing, Dumornay consistently dictated the rhythm of matches and emerged as one of the defining players of the qualifiers.
Guyana’s La-Rose earns recognition despite elimination
Not every standout performer came from a qualifying nation.
Arden La-Rose of Guyana earned widespread recognition for a series of courageous performances in goal despite her country falling short of qualification.
Under relentless pressure throughout the campaign, La-Rose produced 19 saves across three matches and conceded only two goals, delivering one of the tournament’s most impressive goalkeeping displays.
Her performances ensured Guyana remained competitive even against stronger opposition and highlighted the depth of talent continuing to emerge from the Caribbean.
Puerto Rico’s Aguilera explodes into the spotlight
Elsewhere in the Caribbean basin, Jill Aguilera of Puerto Rico delivered one of the tournament’s most prolific attacking performances.
Aguilera struck nine goals during the qualifiers while also contributing 152 completed passes and four tackles in a dynamic all-around campaign that helped elevate Las Boricuas on the regional stage.
Although Caribbean players captured significant attention throughout the qualifiers, the tournament also featured devastating attacking performances from across the wider Concacaf region.
Charlyn Corral of Mexico finished as one of the leading scorers with 13 goals and three assists, while Priscilla Chinchilla of Costa Rica followed closely with 12 goals and one assist.
Still, the presence of Caribbean stars throughout the Best XI underscored the growing strength and influence of the region within women’s football.
From Jamaica’s clinical finishing to Haiti’s midfield brilliance and Guyana’s defensive resilience, Caribbean players did far more than participate in the qualifiers, they helped define them.
