As Grenada’s Senior Men’s National Team prepares to take the field in the FIFA Series 2026 in Rwanda, anticipation is building across the nation for what promises to be one of the most significant moments in Grenadian football history.
With just days to go before their opening match on Friday, 27 March against host nation Rwanda, Team Grenada is not only representing the country on African soil for the first time but also stepping into a new era of international exposure and opportunity.
A squad blending experience and opportunity
Anthony Modeste, Head Coach, Grenada Football Association (GFA), has named a squad that reflects both experience and strategic intent, blending seasoned internationals with a strong core of locally based talent.
Among the key recalls are Lucas Akins, a seasoned forward in England, and Greg Sandiford, whose experience in the UK system brings composure and leadership to the backline. Joining him is Jabari De Coteau, a US-based professional defender, who was recently drafted into Major League Soccer (MLS) by the Colorado Rapids, adding further international exposure and depth to the team.
At the same time, the squad signals a deliberate commitment to developing local and emerging talent. The inclusion of Narshon Sylvester, a standout from the recently concluded Concacaf U20 competition, marks an exciting debut for a player now stepping onto the global stage.
Spotlight on emerging talent
Among the most exciting storylines within this squad is the emergence of 17-year-old forward Raheem Raeburn, one of Grenada’s brightest attacking prospects.
Still in his teenage years, Raeburn has already made a name for himself locally with his prolific goal-scoring ability. He rose to prominence after scoring an astonishing 51 goals in a national youth tournament, before continuing his development at the senior level, where he quickly became one of the most dangerous forwards in domestic competition. Notably, Raeburn was the most outstanding player in the recently concluded Secondary School Football Competition. His journey from grassroots football in St Patrick to the senior national call-up reflects the very pathway the GFA is working to strengthen; one where local talent is identified, nurtured, and given opportunities to perform on the international stage.
Alongside him is Vijay Valcin, another young attacking talent who continues to progress through the national system. At just 20 years old, Valcin has already begun to earn senior national team exposure and is set to take the next step in his football journey as he prepares to transition into US college football later this year. Valcin, along with Sylvester and Raeburn, represent a new generation of Grenadian footballers, players who are not only developing locally but are also being positioned for college pathways through education and sport.
A platform for local talent
A defining feature of this squad is its strong local representation, with players drawn from clubs across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. According to the official squad listing, the team includes a significant number of locally based players from clubs such as Paradise FC, FC Camerhogne, St David FC, Hurricane SC, North Stars SC (G’da), Queen’s Park Rangers FC (G’da) and St John’s Sports.
This selection reflects the GFA’s broader vision, not only to compete, but to create meaningful opportunities for local players to experience football at a level they may not otherwise encounter. For many within the squad, this tournament represents a rare and invaluable opportunity to face international opposition teams and playing styles that they are unlikely to meet in their regular football environments.
Marlon Glean, President, GFA, commented: “This moment represents more than participation for Grenada; it represents progress. We have been intentional about creating opportunities for our players to compete beyond our region, and the FIFA Series provides a platform for both our experienced internationals and emerging local talent to showcase their quality on the world stage. What is especially important is that many of these players come from our domestic system, which reinforces our belief that with the right structure and exposure, Grenadian football can continue to grow and compete at higher levels.”
More than just matches
Grenada’s participation in the FIFA Series goes beyond results on the pitch. It represents a strategic step forward in positioning Grenadian football within the global game.
The series provides:
- International exposure for players
- Competitive match experience
- Technical and tactical development
- Opportunities for scouting and advancement
For a nation rich in talent, this exposure is critical.
Building for the future
From Trishawn Thomas in goal, to defenders like Benjamin Ettienne and Jabari De Coteau, to attacking options including Lucas Akins, Darius Johnson, and Jermaine Francis, the squad reflects both depth and ambition.
Behind the team is a structured technical unit led by Head Coach Anthony Modeste, supported by a full complement of coaching, medical, and administrative staff, a clear signal of the professionalism being built within the programme.
A nation behind its team
As kickoff approaches, one thing is clear: this moment belongs to the entire nation. From experienced internationals to rising young stars like Raeburn and Valcin, Team Grenada embodies both where the country has come from and where it is going. In Rwanda, they will not just be playing football; they will be representing Grenada, showcasing its talent, and carrying the hopes of a nation onto the global stage.
Next, Team Grenada will turn its focus to another significant international test as they face the Republic of Ireland, currently ranked 59th in the FIFA World Rankings, in an international friendly in Murcia, Spain, on 16 May 2026.
GFA
