AS the Golden Jaguars continue to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers in June, the Government of Guyana is playing its part by funding airfare for players and management to Trinidad and Tobago, where they will play two friendly matches on May 13 and 15.

The majority of the squad consists of players based in Guyana, and according to Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Charles Ramson Jr., this investment will enhance the team’s preparation for the ultimate job in the coming weeks.

“It is not that we are behind the eight ball and difficult to recover, but it takes time to recover, and you have to make specific but incisive initiatives that would help to improve our chances of doing well at the international level,” the Minister contended.

He added, “You can never improve your skills if you are not playing against better teams. It is no secret that Trinidad is a good team, and we want to take every opportunity, within budget, to increase our chances.”

These efforts are part of the efforts led by President Dr. Irfaan Ali to push for Guyana to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
The Head of State said the government wants to help develop the sport in Guyana and promised to work with the national players to enhance their abilities.

He highlighted support for training camps and international friendlies and pledged to make other resources available as the country embarks on qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Furthermore, Minister Ramson hinted at the possibility of matches in Brazil as added preparation for the qualifiers.

Guyana has a challenging journey through the Concacaf Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Second Round from June 2024 to 2025.

Positioned in Group D alongside Panama, Nicaragua, Montserrat and Belize, the Golden Jaguars face formidable opposition in their quest.

For the Second Round, which comprises the winners of the first round and the remaining twenty-eight participating Member Associations, Guyana will play a series of four matches, evenly split between home and away fixtures.

Only the group winners and runners-up will advance to Qualifiers’ third and final round