World Cup Dreams Hang in the Balance for Birmingham City Star
Birmingham City winger Demarai Gray faces a nerve-shredding international climax after his Jamaican side surrendered control of their World Cup qualifying destiny. The Reggae Boyz must now win their final group match against Curacao to secure automatic passage to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
High-Stakes Showdown in Kingston
Jamaica's failure to defeat Trinidad and Tobago, combined with Curacao's emphatic 7-0 victory over Bermuda, has dramatically altered the landscape in Concacaf Group B. The result means Curacao now tops the group with 11 points from five games, forcing Jamaica into a must-win situation in their final qualifier in Kingston.
A draw will be sufficient for Curacao to progress, setting up a personal duel between Gray and former Birmingham City midfielder Juninho Bacuna. The Curacao international, who recently transferred from Saudi side Al-Wehda to Turkish team Gaziantep, scored his 12th goal in 40 international appearances during the rout of Bermuda.
Play-Off Lifeline and Other International Blues
There remains a potential safety net for the team finishing second in the group. The two best runners-up from the three Concacaf groups will advance to the FIFA play-off tournament, offering another route to World Cup qualification.
Meanwhile, Birmingham City's Bright Osayi-Samuel helped keep Nigeria's World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon. After a 1-1 draw in normal time, goals from Chidera Ejuke and a brace from Victor Osimhen secured a final eliminator against DR Congo this Sunday.
In European qualifying, Scotland - featuring Lyndon Dykes - prepare for crucial clashes with Greece and Denmark in Group C's two-horse race. Wales, with Lewis Koumas, sit third in Group J facing critical matches against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia.
