PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign entering its final stages, Trinidad and Tobago find themselves in a make-or-break situation.
Sitting third in Concacaf Group B with five points, the Soca Warriors must seize maximum points from their final two matches to remain in contention for an automatic World Cup berth.
Central defender Kobi Henry has delivered a blunt message to his teammates: the time for slow starts is over.
“The mood is positive, everyone is excited, and we know what’s on the line,” Henry said following Monday’s training session. “Now, it’s about showing up and proving who wants it more.”
Henry emphasized the importance of seizing the initiative from the opening whistle when T&T take on group leaders Jamaica Thursday night at Hasely Crawford Stadium.
The challenge ahead
After facing Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago will host Bermuda on November 18, leaving no room for error. Coach Dwight Yorke’s squad must find consistency and intensity immediately, a point Henry highlighted as crucial for reversing a recurring pattern in their campaign.
“I think that is one thing we can improve: set the tone and not wait however long to get into the game. We are at home, we have everything geared towards us, so we could start strong from the beginning,” he explained.
Home advantage could be key
The US-based defender is counting on a raucous home crowd to amplify the team’s intensity.
“It is extremely important. The crowd will be the biggest thing for us,” Henry said. “We have the last two games at home, so it is almost set up for us, and we have to take control.”
With their World Cup aspirations on the line, the Soca Warriors will rely on every advantage, from vocal fans to tactical precision, to seize momentum early.
Squad adjustments
Henry’s message comes as the team integrates new striker Roald Mitchell while coping with the absence of injured regular Rio Cardines. The young defender insists the team can overcome these challenges if it begins matches with aggression and focus.
“We need to take the fight to Jamaica from the start. If we do that, we give ourselves a chance to control the game,” he said.
Trinidad and Tobago now face a crucial test: can they shed past habits and seize the initiative against a confident and battle-hardened Reggae Boyz side?
