Under 17 Belize Men’s National Team – Photo Credit: FFB
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize closed out their participation in the 2026 Concacaf Under‑17 Qualifiers with an impressive 0–0 draw against group leaders Cuba on Wednesday at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City. The result capped Belize’s strongest performance of the tournament and temporarily lifted them into third place in Group F.
Cuba entered the match needing only a point to secure qualification to the 2026 FIFA U‑17 World Cup in Qatar, and the Caribbean side achieved exactly that. The draw pushed Cuba to seven points, enough to win the group and claim the World Cup berth.
Belize, meanwhile, finish with two points from their three matches — the 0–0 draw against Cuba adding to their earlier 2–2 result against Curaçao. That total places them momentarily ahead of Curaçao, who remain on one point and still have their final match to play against El Salvador.
The draw also brings clarity to the group’s storyline: El Salvador are now eliminated. With only the group winners advancing to Qatar 2026, the Salvadorans — who entered the qualifiers believing they were the favourites — can no longer catch Cuba and are officially out of contention.
Belize’s disciplined defensive display against Cuba — the strongest team in the group — stands as one of their most complete performances of the tournament. Goalkeeper Lucas Gallego delivered a pivotal performance, making key saves throughout the match to keep Belize level. In the closing minutes, the U17 BMNT pushed forward with confidence, creating pressure and threatening to steal a dramatic late winner.
Belize leave the tournament with a sense of growth and resilience, finishing on a high note against the group’s top team.
The post Belize hold group leaders Cuba to 0–0 draw in final Concacaf U17 Qualifiers match appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Under 17 Belize Men’s National Team – Photo Credit: FFB By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Belize closed out their participation in the 2026 Concacaf Under‑17 Qualifiers with an impressive 0–0 draw against group leaders Cuba on Wednesday at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City. The result capped Belize’s strongest performance of the tournament and temporarily
The post Belize hold group leaders Cuba to 0–0 draw in final Concacaf U17 Qualifiers match appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
