Jamaica national football team moved within one win of securing a second FIFA World Cup appearance after defeating New Caledonia national football team 1-0 in their inter-confederation playoff semi-final.

The victory keeps Jamaica’s hopes alive of reaching the global tournament for the first time since 1998, following a hard-fought contest in Guadalajara.

The decisive moment came early in the encounter, with Bailey Cadamarteri scoring in the 18th minute to hand the Caribbean side a crucial advantage.

Despite the defeat, New Caledonia pushed strongly for an equaliser and tested Jamaica’s defence, but were unable to find a breakthrough as the Reggae Boyz held firm to secure the win.

Jamaica will now face DR Congo national football team on Tuesday in the playoff final, with a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at stake.

The winner of the decisive clash will qualify for the tournament in North America, marking a significant milestone for either side.

For Jamaica, victory would seal a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage, while DR Congo are aiming to end a decades-long absence from the competition.

With everything now riding on one final match, the Reggae Boyz stand on the brink of history, needing just one more win to complete their qualification journey. (Arise News)

Update news