Posted: Friday, August 1, 2025. 1:05 pm CST.
Photo Credit: Verdes FC
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The Premier League of Belize (PLB) kicks off its 2025–2026 Opening Season this weekend, with four of the seven clubs seeing action as they vie for domestic supremacy, regional visibility, and international competition. All eyes will be on the first set of fixtures, featuring reigning champions, returning contenders, and emerging hopefuls across three venues.
The action begins on Saturday, August 2, as Verdes FC, current Closing Season title-holders and Belize’s international, host Benque Viejo United FC at 7:30 pm at the Edmund Marshalleck Stadium in Benque Viejo del Carmen. Despite opening their Central American Cup campaign with a 4–1 loss to Honduras’ Motagua, Verdes remain the favourites in domestic football and will be eager to reassert dominance on home soil.
On Sunday, August 3, Port Layola FC, Opening Season champions in 2024–2025, begin their title defence against Progresso FC at 4:00 pm at the Marion Jones Sports Complex in Belize City. With a full-strength squad and fresh ambition, Port Layola look to build on last season’s momentum.
Midweek play continues on Wednesday, August 6, as newcomers Napoles FC take on Wagiya SC at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium in Belmopan. The matchup offers both sides a chance to gain ground before the season hits full stride.
Belmopan FC won’t see action until Saturday August 9, as they host Progresso at 7:30 pm at the Isidoro Beaton Stadium.
The seven participating clubs for the Opening Season are:
- Verdes FC
- Port Layola FC
- Progresso FC
- Napoles FC
- Wagiya SC
- Belmopan FC
- Benque Viejo United FC (Capital Sport Club)
A key development for the new season sees Benque Viejo United FC leasing their franchise to Capital Sport Club, also known as the White Lions, based in Belmopan. Capital Sport Club is in effect a Mexico-based organization with branches in several countries, focused on the development and transfer (import and export) of players to various international markets. By operating a club in Belize, Capital Sport Club aims to refine player skills and increase their marketability, positioning its Belize-based squad as a gateway to regional and global football opportunities.
Other Belizean clubs also benefit from Mexican partnerships — most notably Verdes FC and Belmopan FC — strengthening cross-border football ties and expanding player pathways.
This transition increases Belmopan’s footprint in the PLB to three clubs: Belmopan FC, who last season acquired the Belmopan Bandits franchise; Napoles FC, now entering their debut campaign; and Capital Sport Club, competing under the Benque Viejo United licence.
Notably absent are San Pedro Pirates, who opted out of the 2025–2026 campaign, while Altitude FC, former southern contenders, have yet to make their return to league play.
All clubs, except Benque Viejo United (operating as Capital Sport Club), have secured regional licences required to participate in international competitions, reflecting the growing professionalism within the PLB.
The PLB will run a double round-robin format across 14 match weeks. The first round concludes by September 1, followed by a second round ending on November 15. League play will pause during the FIFA international windows from September 2–10 and October 7–15.
Post-season play begins with the semi-finals over two weekends: November 22–23 and 29–30, leading to the Championship Round on December 6–7 and 13–14.
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