MIAMI: Curacao closed in on a 2026 World Cup berth on Thursday, routing Bermuda 7-0 to go top of their group in CONCACAF qualifying as Jamaica were held to a 1-1 draw by Trinidad and Tobago.

Jamaica, seeking a second World Cup appearance after making their debut in 1998, came into the night atop Group ‘B’ in the final round of qualifying in the North and Central America and Caribbean region.

A victory by Jamaica and a loss by Curacao would have seen the former clinch a berth, but instead they’ll face a must-win match against Curacao when qualifying concludes on Tuesday.

Dick Advocaat-led Curacao romped past winless Bermuda in Devonshire.

Jordi Paulina scored two goals in a memorable Curacao debut, while Leandro Bacuna, Juninho Bacuna, Sonja Hansen, Ar’Jany Martha and Roshon van Eijma scored a goal each to complete the rout.

In Port of Spain, Jamaica broke a scoreless deadlock in the 53rd minute as Renaldo Cephas finished off a fast break down the left side with a shot past Trinidad and Tobago keeper Denzil Smith into the bottom right corner.

Kevin Molino grabbed the equaliser for Trinidad and Tobago in the 85th, but the draw still saw them eliminated.

Meanwhile, Suriname kept their bid for a first World Cup berth on track with a 4-0 victory over El Salvador in Paramaribo that eliminated the Salvadorans.

Richonell Margaret scored twice and Tjaronn Chery and Doraso Klas added one goal apiece for Suriname, who are tied atop Group ‘A’ on nine points with Panama, who beat Guatemala 3-2.

Honduras, chasing a fourth World Cup appearance and their first since 2014, were stunned 2-0 by Nicaragua in Managua to stand tied at the top of Group ‘C’ with Haiti, who beat Costa Rica 1-0.

Nicaragua, who came in bottom of the group, opened the scoring in the 11th on a goal from Bancy Hernandez. Honduras pressed in vain for an equaliser but Jaime Moreno’s 82nd minute strike sealed the win.

After missing a chance to secure their berth, Honduras face a tough final match against third-placed Costa Rica while Haiti play Nicaragua.

Published in Dawn, November 15th, 2025