New Caledonia, Jamaica vie for Play-Off final spot
Read on for details on how to watch, kick-off times, players to watch and more.
Pathway 1 of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament kicks off with New Caledonia and Jamaica squaring off at Guadalajara Stadium.
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).
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.
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.
“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
This is the first official international match between New Caledonia and Jamaica.
The last meeting between Concacaf and OFC teams in a FIFA World Cup™ qualifying play-off occurred in June 2022, when Costa Rica defeated New Zealand 1–0 in Qatar to reach the 2022 finals.
New Caledonia have never previously faced a Concacaf team in an official international match.
Jamaica have faced OFC opposition four times, all in friendlies, earning two wins (both vs New Zealand) and two defeats (both vs Australia). Their most recent meeting was a 3–2 away win over New Zealand in February 2012.
Jamaica have lost only three of their last 14 official international matches (W7 D4).
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.