A relatively inexperienced iteration of Saint Lucia’s men’s national team will face unfamiliar opposition this week, as the Piton Boyz head to Azerbaijan for their lone fixture in the FIFA Series 2026. Stern John’s squad meet their Eurasian hosts on Friday, March 27, at the Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium in Sumqayit, about 31 kilometres from the capital, Baku.
The 2026 edition of the FIFA Series, which the global governing body piloted in 2024, will feature an impressive total of 50 men’s national teams competing in 13 groups across 12 host nations from all six continents. The matches offer participating teams the priceless opportunity to test themselves under the FIFA spotlight against opposition from diverse regions.
Initially, the tournament would have guaranteed Saint Lucia two games. Sierra Leone were set to play Oman, but the Asian team were forced to withdraw due to the war in Iran. Sierra Leone will now play one game each against the two visiting teams.
Team Saint Lucia will look somewhat different from recent years, with no Vino Barclett in goal for the first time since March 2023. Either Devone St Prix or 22-year-old Darren Donaie will start between the sticks, with a defensive group including Melvin Doxilly, Alvinus Myers, and Doneal Lionel. Choiseul’s Ajani Louis is in the squad for the second time, but he is yet to make his international bow.
Youth is served in the midfield, with 21-year-old Shaquan “Ants” Nelson, 20-year-olds Bayan Aman and Mervin St Romain, 18-year-old Eymani Butcher, and 17-year-old Thierry Morille all in with a chance to play. Up front, 22-year-old Kegan Caull returns to the lineup, as does 21-year-old Jahlil Evans. Just 17, Shevon Byron could make his senior debut up front. So too could Colorado Rapids forward Donavan Phillip, 21. The Piton Boyz assembled in Baku on Monday.
Ranked 126th in the world, Azerbaijan are winless in their last five matches, playing in UEFA and World Cup Qualifying against teams like France and Ukraine. Ranked 167th, Saint Lucia have won just once in its last five, beating Barbados 2-1 in World Cup Qualifiers last June.
SAINT LUCIA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Devone St Prix, Darren Donaie, A’dee Germe
Defenders: Ajani Louis, Melvin Doxilly, Alvinus Mayers, Doneal Lionel
Midfielders: Ridel Stanislas, Shaquan Nelson, Thierry Morille, Lester Joseph, Trent Alexander, Bayan Aman, Mervin St Romain, Eymani Butcher
Attackers: Donavan Phillip, Hamiael Charlery, Shevon Byron, Arkell Jude Boyd, Kegan Caull, Jahlil Evans
