Finishing ahead of Costa Rica in Group B is a tough ask, so both Trinidad and Tobago and Saint Kitts and Nevis need to make the most of their opportunities now. Second place is up for grabs, along with a place in the final stage of World Cup qualifying.
Trinidad and Tobago currently hold a one-point edge over Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the goal difference highlights a significant gap. While Saint Kitts and Nevis stand at –3, their opponents boast a +6 differential. The FIFA World Rankings reflect a 45-place disparity between the sides. That advantage has allowed Trinidad and Tobago to compete in League A of the CONCACAF Nations League and, by finishing fourth in their group, secure a spot in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. However, Trinidad and Tobago faltered in their opening qualifier, drawing 2:2 with Grenada, who are ranked 167th in the world. That result offers Saint Kitts and Nevis a glimmer of opportunity.
Saint Kitts and Nevis are set to face Grenada in their fourth fixture — a match that could prove pivotal in their qualification bid. But that will only matter if they avoid defeat against Trinidad and Tobago. The logic is clear: Trinidad and Tobago are away to group favourites Costa Rica in the final round, where a defeat appears likely. If that happens, collecting four points from their next two matches could be enough for Saint Kitts and Nevis to progress to the third qualifying round.
Is that a realistic outcome? In the CONCACAF Gold Cup two years ago, Trinidad and Tobago comfortably beat Saint Kitts and Nevis (3:0). In the previous World Cup qualification campaign, they managed a 2:0 victory. An away win seems out of reach this time, but we expect Saint Kitts and Nevis to compete strongly and avoid losing by more than two goals.
