Barbados 0 Bermuda 2
Bermuda’s Under-20 national team concluded their 2026 Concacaf Qualifying campaign on a high note with a clinical 2-0 victory over Barbados at the Proyecto Goal in San Rafael, Costa Rica.
Entering the final Group E fixture, Bermuda faced the daunting mathematical task of needing a 13-goal swing to keep their qualification hopes alive. Despite the pressure, Cecoy Robinson’s side maintained the impressive form that had seen them hold tournament hosts Costa Rica to a thrilling draw earlier in the week.
Bermuda Starting Line-Up: - Curtis Jackson, Nayan Grant, Emeer Peets, Logan Jimenez, Khari Shareef, Jace Donawa, Xahvi DeRoza, D’ari Coddington, Malachai Belboda, Kennahz Fray, Kalen Brunson - Substitutes - Daniel Powell, David Martin, Dakari Smith-Davis, Michari Tear-De Leon, Blayz Borgesson, James Morrison, Qur’an Raynor, Isai Gibbons, Daqaio Stewart
The breakthrough came in the 11th minute following a period of sustained pressure. Jace Donawa, a constant threat on the flank throughout the tournament, delivered a precise cross that found Kalen Brunson in the area. Brunson showed great composure to direct his effort past the Bajan goalkeeper and give Bermuda an early advantage.
The lead was doubled just nine minutes later as the Barbados defense struggled to deal with a loose ball inside their own penalty box. Malachi Belboda reacted quickest to the hesitation, spinning his marker before firing a powerful shot into the back of the net.
Bermuda remained the dominant force for much of the second half, with the backline led by Emeer Peets and Logan Jimenez largely untested by the Barbados attack. While further goals eluded them, the result ensured Bermuda finishes the qualifying round with a commendable record of two wins and two draws from their four matches.
The victory sees Bermuda end the tournament with eight points, a tally that would often be enough to secure progression in other groups. However, with only the group winners advancing to the Concacaf U-20 Championship in San Juan, the Bermuda teams’ journey came to an end despite a series of performances that earned significant praise across the region.
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