FIFA has officially confirmed Trinidad & Tobago’s Men’s Senior Team as one of 48 national teams from all six FIFA confederations set to compete in the expanded FIFA Series 2026™, marking a major milestone in the initiative’s continued growth and global reach.
The Soca Warriors will travel to Uzbekistan in March, where they have been drawn in a competitive men’s group alongside host nation Uzbekistan, Gabon, and Venezuela. The fixtures will be played during the March and April FIFA international windows, offering Trinidad & Tobago meaningful cross-confederation competition without adding congestion to the international match calendar.
With 48 participating teams — nearly 25% of FIFA’s 211 Member Associations — the FIFA Series 2026 represents one of the most inclusive global football initiatives outside of World Cup qualifying and continental championships.
A Truly Global Tournament
The FIFA Series 2026 will feature:
- 48 national teams
- 12 groups of four teams
- Nine men’s groups and three women’s groups
- Participation from all six FIFA confederations
- Matches played across 11 host nations, with Rwanda hosting two groups
- Global broadcast coverage, ensuring worldwide visibility for participating teams and improved access for fans
The confirmed hosts for the men’s groups are Australia, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, and Uzbekistan, while the women’s groups will be hosted by Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, and Thailand.
This structure reinforces FIFA’s goal of creating a truly global football environment where teams are exposed to different playing styles, organisational standards, and competitive demands.
Trinidad & Tobago’s Group: A Valuable Cross-Confederation Test
Trinidad & Tobago’s placement in the Uzbekistan-hosted group presents a diverse footballing challenge:
- Uzbekistan (AFC) – Host nation and 2026 World Cup qualifier
- Gabon (CAF) – Known for physicality and athletic intensity
- Venezuela (CONMEBOL) – A technically strong South American side
For T&T, this group offers a rare opportunity to test tactical flexibility, physical readiness, and squad depth against non-Concacaf opposition, something that is critical for long-term development.
Competitive Relevance Meets Development
While the FIFA Series is development-driven, it also carries clear competitive relevance. Five men’s teams participating — Australia, Cabo Verde, Curaçao, New Zealand, and Uzbekistan — have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, underlining the standard of competition Trinidad & Tobago will face.
The Series brings together teams from across the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking spectrum, from established football nations to emerging programs. This diversity reflects FIFA’s commitment to ensuring meaningful international matches for member associations at all stages of development, rather than one-off friendlies with limited value.
More Than Matches: Building Capacity Off the Pitch
Beyond on-field competition, the FIFA Series 2026 is designed to support holistic football development:
- Hosting and participating associations gain experience in event delivery and operational planning
- Exposure to competition organisation and referee development
- Tournament environments that mirror major international competitions
- Opportunities for organisational growth aligned with FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for the Global Game (2023–2027)
For Trinidad & Tobago, this provides valuable insight not only for players and coaches, but also for administrators and support staff involved in national team operations.
What This Means for Trinidad & Tobago Football
Coming on the heels of the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, Trinidad & Tobago’s inclusion in the FIFA Series offers:
- A competitive reset
- An opportunity to evaluate the next core of players
- A chance to test tactical ideas in a pressure-free environment
- Increased global exposure through worldwide broadcasts
As the national team continues its rebuild, the FIFA Series 2026 represents a critical stepping stone — a chance to measure progress, build confidence, and re-establish Trinidad & Tobago on the international stage.
EXTV will continue to provide full coverage, tactical breakdowns, player analysis, and match reactions as Trinidad & Tobago prepare for this important global test.
Match schedules for all FIFA Series 2026 events will be announced in due course.
📌 What’s Next for T&T?
As the Soca Warriors prepare for their FIFA Series campaign in Uzbekistan, fans can look forward to:
- Official match schedules and opponents announcement
- Tactical previews and squad analysis from EXTV
- Full coverage of results, highlights, and player performances
This global competition represents a critical stepping stone for Trinidad & Tobago as they look to build momentum and competitive consistency in the post-World Cup qualifying era. Stay tuned to EXTV for comprehensive updates, breakdowns, and exclusive insights as T&T take the field in March. 🇹🇹⚽
