Caribbean teams delivered strong performances as the 2026 CONCACAF Men’s U-17 qualifiers continued on Friday, with several regional sides securing important victories across Groups F and H.

Cuba opened Group F with a narrow 1-0 victory over Curaçao at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City, Guatemala. 

Deibi Borell netted the decisive goal in the 19th minute, finishing powerfully inside the box after being set up by Yankarlos Iglesias. 

The early strike proved enough to hand Cuba a winning start to its campaign.

Jamaica also began its tournament strongly, recording a commanding 3-0 win over Aruba at the Costa Rican Football Federation Field #1 in Alajuela, Costa Rica.

Kelvin Brown broke the deadlock deep into first-half stoppage time, finishing from close range after Jahmarie Nolan delivered a cut-back pass from the right side of the box.

Jamaica’s defence held firm in the second half, highlighted by a crucial acrobatic save from goalkeeper O’Mario White in the 78th minute to deny Aruba an equaliser attempt from long range.

Justin Hayles extended Jamaica’s advantage in the 82nd minute with a powerful long-range strike into the top-right corner. 

Nolan later sealed the result, scoring Jamaica’s third goal in stoppage time to complete an impressive all-round performance.

Guyana also celebrated success in Group H, edging Bermuda 1-0 at Estadio Francisco Morazán in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. 

Guyana goalkeeper Nyall Kendall played a vital role in the victory, producing an important save in the 42nd minute to keep the score level.

Matthew Stewart secured the win for Guyana in the 66th minute, finishing from the left side of the box after receiving an assist from Mark Glasgow.

Elsewhere involving Caribbean teams, Belize suffered a 3-1 defeat to El Salvador despite taking an early lead. 

Andy Pop opened the scoring for Belize in the 12th minute after capitalising on a loose ball inside the box. However, El Salvador responded through Andrew Sorto, who scored three first-half goals to overturn the deficit.