V.League sees another player with a chance to participate in the 2026 World Cup

Striker Jourdain Ronaldo Fletcher of Hải Phòng FC is on the verge of an intriguing opportunity: possibly taking part in the 2026 World Cup representing Jamaica.

Recently, the official website of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) published a congratulatory article Jourdain Fletcher officially joins Hải Phòng club to compete in the V-League. This move indicates that the JFF is closely monitoring the career of the 1998-born forward, who has earned 9 caps and scored 2 goals for the Jamaican national team.

Fletcher’s most recent appearance for the “Reggae Boyz” was in a friendly match lost 0-1 against Grenada on January 19, a game where Jamaica did not call up major stars like Leon Bailey (AS Roma), Demarai Fray (Birmingham), or Ian Fray (Inter Miami).

Currently, Jamaica has a significant chance to qualify for the World Cup for the second time in its history. At the intercontinental playoff round for the 2026 World Cup, they have been placed in a bracket considered relatively favorable. FIFA has designated this round as a contest for the last two coveted spots to the world’s biggest football tournament, involving six teams: Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, Suriname, and DR Congo.

Due to higher FIFA rankings than other contenders, Iraq (57th in the world, representing Asia) and DR Congo (60th, representing Africa) advance directly to the playoff final, needing only one match to secure a World Cup 2026 spot. Meanwhile, the other four teams—Jamaica (68th), Bolivia (76th), Suriname (126th), and New Caledonia (150th)—must compete in the semifinals.

According to the draw, New Caledonia will face Jamaica in the first semifinal; the winner will meet DR Congo in the final. On the other side, Bolivia will play Suriname, with the victor facing Iraq. Semifinal matches are scheduled for March 23, and the intercontinental playoff final will take place on March 31, 2026. All matches will be held in Mexico.

If Jamaica succeeds in this path, the door to the 2026 World Cup will open wide, giving Jourdain Fletcher a solid basis to hope for inclusion in the official squad. Historically, Hải Phòng has had strong ties with Jamaican players, having featured striking duos like Fagan and Stevens, as well as key players such as Jermie Lynch and Gordon Rimario.

Previously, Percy Tau from Thép Xanh Nam Định and the South African national team have successfully qualified for the 2026 World Cup this summer.