Reggae Boyz one step away from FIFA World Cup

Jamaica defeated New Caledonia, 1-0, in a FIFA intercontinental playoff semifinal match in Guadalajara, Mexico on Thursday to move one step close to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The victory moves Jamaica to within a win of reaching its first World Cup since 1998. The Reggae Boyz will play Congo on March 31, with the winner earning one of the six remaining World Cup berths being decided by playoffs in both Mexico and Europe. The Jamaica-Congo winner goes into Group K with Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.

Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri scored the game’s lone goal in the 18th minute and Jamaica now have four days to rest up before the huge match against Congo.

In the other FIFA intercontinental playoff semifinal match, Bolivia defeated Suriname and will face Iraq for a spot in the World Cup on March 31 in Monterrey, Mexico, on March 31.

(USA TODAY)