Bermuda Faces Ultimate Test in Concacaf U-17 Finals
IslandStats.com
Concacaf has conducted the official draw for the final round of the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in Central America. This critical second and final stage, which determines the path to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Morocco 2026, is scheduled to take place at the headquarters of the Costa Rican Football Federation in San Rafael, Alajuela, from March 17 to March 22, 2026.
The final round will be played in a group format, with 12 participants split into three pools of four. Bermuda has been drawn into a formidable Group B, where they will face the United States, Puerto Rico, and Haiti. The stakes are remarkably high, as only the three group winners and the best overall second-place finisher will secure their tickets to the World Cup in Morocco later this year.
Gary Adams, the head coach of the Bermuda Under-17 Women’s National Team, remains pragmatic yet ambitious following the draw. Acknowledging the mountain his side must climb, Adams described facing top-ranked competition like the United States and fourth-ranked Puerto Rico as a massive challenge that should not be sugarcoated. Despite the daunting opposition, he views these matches as a vital opportunity for his squad to learn and develop, urging his players to enter the tournament without fear while remaining realistic about the elite level of competition.
To ensure the squad is prepared for the rigorous conditions in Costa Rica, Adams is finalizing plans for a week-long training camp beginning on March 10. With around 60 percent of the team currently based on the island, the primary focus will be on acclimatizing to the Central American heat, which often reaches the mid-80s during March. Whether the camp is held in the United States or directly in Costa Rica, Adams is determined to maximize the team's limited time together to fine-tune performances and build on their successful Round One campaign.
Bermuda's Final Round Schedule:
March 17th: Bermuda vs. United States March 19th: Bermuda vs. Puerto Rico March 22nd: Bermuda vs. Haiti
