Concacaf qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ produced a host of compelling contests and standout individual performances.
Eight teams from the region have booked their spots at the global showpiece, with Costa Rica, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama and USA set to compete at the finals later this year.
FIFA highlights five players who shone during the qualifiers.
Alberto Cisneros – Mexico
Playmaker Cisnernos’ touch, movement and boundless enthusiasm impressed as Mexico recorded four wins from four in their perfect Group A campaign. The skilful No10, who plays his club football for Club Leon, netted a hat-trick in his nation’s 10-0 trouncing of Sint Maarten.
Malik Jakupovic – USA
Talented striker Jakupovic finished as the qualifiers’ top scorer after netting eight times in just three matches for USA. His haul included an eye-catching variety of finishes, including two towering headers, a precision effort from outside the penalty box and several clinical close-range strikes.
Erik La O Carnet – Cuba
Cuba’s well-organised backline was key to them securing U-17 World Cup qualification. They conceded just once in their three matches, with La O Carnet (pictured above wearing No3) at the heart of their defensive success. He produced a particularly commanding performance in their crucial 2-1 win over El Salvador, winning eight of his nine duels and making ten clearances.
Jahmarie Nolan – Jamaica
Jamaica skipper Nolan’s exhilarating attacking displays were recognised with the qualifiers’ Best Player Award. The Toronto FC sensation dazzled in each of his team’s three victories and finished with a tally of five goals and two assists. His strikes included the opener in Jamaica’s decisive final group match against Canada, which the Reggae Boyz ultimately won 3-1 to punch their ticket to Qatar.
Akenai Samuels – Costa Rica
Samuels showcased his value as a creator and scorer during Costa Rica’s successful campaign. He was in unstoppable form during their 26-0 trouncing of the British Virgin Islands, netting four times and setting up four more. He bagged six goals in total during Costa Rica’s three games as well as providing six assists, more than any other player in the qualifiers.
Images courtesy of Concacaf
