Pathway 1 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament kicks off with New Caledonia and Jamaica squaring off at Guadalajara Stadium.
How to watch
You can purchase tickets to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament here. You can also stream the match for free on FIFA+ (available in most territories).
New Caledonia v Jamaica
Kick-off times
21:00 in Guadalajara
14:00 (Friday 27 March) in Noumea
22:00 in Kingston
New Caledonia have already reached new heights by progressing to the Play-Off Tournament, and now just two wins separate them from a first World Cup qualification. Les Cagous showed great character in reaching the final of OFC qualifying, and their resilience will be tested by a Jamaica side on the hunt for a second World Cup.
The Reggae Boyz last appeared at the global finals at France 1998, and came agonisingly close to returning during Concacaf qualifying. Interim coach Rudolph Speid has been tasked with shaking off that disappointment, beginning with this New Caledonia test.
Players to watch
New Caledonia head coach Johann Sidaner can lean on two proven goalscorers in Georges Gope-Fenepej and Joseph Athale, while new arrival and former France youth international Angelo Fulgini brings intrigue to the middle of the park.
Speid will need players who can beat defenders 1v1, which is where the likes of Renaldo Cephas and Leon Bailey will come into play. Veteran goalkeeper Andre Blake also provides security in net.
Quotes
“We have nothing to lose. If we go through, it will be an unbelievable achievement; if we fall short, nobody will bat an eyelid. We have to go to Mexico under no pressure and with no fear, with the determination and belief that we can do it.”
Angelo Fulgini, New Caledonia midfielder
“We know that these two games, the opposition will be high intensity. They’ll play in transition and counterattack. And for every position, these are some of the stats that drive the selection process.”
Rudolph Speid, Jamaica coach
Stats
What’s at stake
A berth in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament final against Congo DR on 31 March. The winner of that decider advances to World Cup 2026 Group K with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.
