The BVIMNT came away from a tough Concacaf first round Qualifier for the FIFA World Cup 2026 against the USVI game with a 1-1 draw, giving them the slight edge ahead of the second leg on Tuesday in Tortola
The game hosted by the USVI at the Bethlehem Sports Complex in St Croix, unfolded as a cat and mouse game between two evenly matched sides and few clear-cut chances, especially in the first half.
The hosts began to exert some authority in the early stages of the second half, perhaps cheered on by the vocal home crowd, and took the lead in the 73rd minute when a long throw-in was headed in the area and fell perfectly for Jett Blaschka, who chested the ball to himself and fired a left-footed shot into net for a 1-0 USVI lead.
The BVI sought a response and pushed hard for an equalizer, yet the USVI defense was doing the job and looked set to secure a clean sheet victory.
However, Hugo Costa Liziario had other plans and in the second minute of second half stoppage time the BVI attacker fired into net from close-range to earn his side a crucial away goal and a 1-1 draw.
“It was a good game, and we did well, probably creating more chances overall than our opponents” commented Liziario “I was pleased to be able to help the team with a goal on debut and it’s all up for grabs on Tuesday.”
Progression for either the BVI or USVI will see the winner move on to Group E, along with Jamaica, Guatemala, Dominican Republic, and Dominica in the second round of qualifying.
The North, Central American and Caribbean section of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification will act as the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States, for national teams which are members of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
Three direct slots and two inter-confederation play-off slots in the final tournament were available for CONCACAF teams.
Tuesday’s second leg at the A.O. Shirley Ground kicks off at 3pm with tickets still available at just $10. (school children in their uniform can get in for free)
BVI Squad: Simon Cross, Mekhi Waters, Frankie Beckles, Troy Ceasar, Phil Nelson, Jerry Wiltshire, Kristian Javier, Justin Smith, Miguel Marshall, Taylor Scarff, Jaden Abrams, Ikyjah Williams, Robbie Green, T’Sharne Gallimore, Luka Chalwell, Carlos Septus, Tai Thomas, Josh Berie, Tyler Forbes, Adrian Padilla, Johari Lacey, Levon Williams, Hugo Costa Liziario, Azarni Callwood and Alejandro Santos.