MANAGUA, Nicaragua — St. Lucian football continues to break new ground on the international stage. Lyndon Cooper, president of the St Lucia Football Association (SLFA), has been elected vice-president of Concacaf for the Caribbean region, solidifying his rising influence in regional and global football governance.
Cooper’s election comes on the heels of another historic milestone last year, when he became the first St. Lucian to lead the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). His unopposed election at Concacaf’s 41st Congress in Managua underscores both his stature in the region and the trust placed in his leadership.
Concacaf Congress highlights unity and milestones
The Congress brought together delegates from all 41 member associations, along with Concacaf senior leadership, to address statutory matters, approve the confederation’s 2026 budget, and review updates aligned with its strategic priorities.
The event also marked a decade of leadership under Concacaf President and FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani, who praised the member associations for strengthening the confederation’s foundations and charting a clear path toward long-term growth.
“Over the past decade, we rebuilt Concacaf on stable foundations, so today we have earned the right to think long term, invest with confidence, and aim higher than ever,” Montagliani said.
“As we step toward 2026, this is a moment to be proud, a moment to enjoy, and a moment to break through ceilings. Our continued success will come from staying united, leading through service, and protecting the integrity that makes progress possible.”
Cooper’s role in Caribbean and regional football
As Concacaf vice-president for the Caribbean, Cooper will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of football in the region, bridging the ambitions of smaller associations with the broader vision of Concacaf.
His dual roles as CFU president and now Concacaf vice-president give him a unique platform to advocate for Caribbean football at the highest level, influence developmental programs, and ensure that smaller nations have a voice as the region gears up for major events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Montagliani also took the opportunity to recognize member nations already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while wishing Jamaica and Suriname well as they prepare for the FIFA Play-Off tournament in March.
“Our continued success will come from staying united, leading through service, and protecting the integrity that makes progress possible,” he added, signaling that Concacaf intends to build on the solid foundations laid over the past decade.
A historic moment for St. Lucia
For Cooper, this election is not just a personal milestone, but a landmark achievement for St. Lucian football. His leadership at both the CFU and Concacaf levels reflects the growing influence of Caribbean football within regional governance and highlights the opportunities available for smaller nations to shape the sport on the global stage.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon and strategic development programs underway, Cooper’s role is expected to be instrumental in driving progress and enhancing the competitiveness of Caribbean football.
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