Posted: Wednesday, May 21, 2025. 12:14 pm CST.
Belize Men’s National Team train at the FFB beach soccer pitch on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 – Photo Credit: FFB
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize’s National Football Team 9BMNT) are gearing up for their last two matches in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, hoping to salvage some pride after a difficult campaign. The BMNT face Montserrat on Wednesday, June 4, at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad and Tobago, followed by a home match against Panama on Saturday, June 7, at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan.
A Tough Road So Far
Belize struggled in the first round of qualifiers last year, suffering a 4-0 defeat to Nicaragua on June 8 in Belmopan, followed by a 3-1 loss to Guyana on June 11 in Barbados. Carlos Bernárdez scored Belize’s only goal in that round. Meanwhile, Nicaragua and Panama dominated the group, each securing six points, while Guyana earned three points. Belize and Montserrat remain without points, making qualification to the next round nearly impossible.
The Final Fixtures
The upcoming matches will determine the final standings in Group D:
- June 4: Montserrat vs. Belize – Ato Boldon Stadium, Trinidad and Tobago
- June 6: Nicaragua vs. Guyana – Estadio Nacional, Managua
- June 7: Belize vs. Panama – FFB Stadium, Belmopan
- June 10: Guyana vs. Montserrat – Leonora National Track and Field Centre, Georgetown
- June 10: Panama vs. Nicaragua – Estadio Rommel Fernández, Panama City
What’s at Stake?
With only the top two teams from each group advancing, Belize have little chance of moving forward but hope to finish their campaign on a high note. The BMNT look to secure their first points and restore national pride in these final matches.
Belize Men’s National Team train at the FFB Stadium on Monday, May 12, 2025 – Photo Credit: FFB
Concacaf Qualifying Structure
The Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers for 2026 started in March 2024, featuring three rounds of competition. The first round featured the four lowest-ranked teams, with the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla advancing. The second round, in which Belize are competing, includes 30 teams playing in groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the final round.
Final Round and World Cup Aspirations
Following the second-round matches, 12 teams progress to the final stage, where they will be placed into three groups of four teams each. Teams face each other in home-and-away fixtures from September to November 2025. The three group winners qualify directly for the FIFA World Cup 2026, while the two best runners-up compete in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, potentially allowing up to eight Concacaf teams to reach the World Cup.
Draw for the Final Round
Concacaf will conduct the official draw for the Final Round on June 12, where teams will be assigned groups based on their rankings. Fans can follow the live event on the Concacaf YouTube Channel at 19:00 ET.
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