Trinidad and Tobago’s national football team, the Soca Warriors, is eager to bounce back from a disappointing 5-0 defeat to the USA in their opening match of the Concacaf Gold Cup. Head coach Dwight Yorke is urging his players to demonstrate resilience and character as they prepare to face Haiti in a vital Group D clash scheduled for June 19 at 6:45 p.m. TT time.
Following their heavy loss, Yorke highlighted the significance of both performance and outcome in what he described as a do-or-die encounter. The match is critical, as qualification for the knockout stage remains within reach. “When you come off a defeat, you’re looking for a response and performance from your players,” Yorke stated in the pre-match media session. He expressed confidence in his team’s ability to rise to the challenge.
Haiti, who also suffered a loss against Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener, is in a similar position, seeking redemption in this matchup. Historical performances show that Haiti has had the upper hand over Trinidad and Tobago in previous encounters, including a 2-0 victory in the 2013 Gold Cup and a 1-0 win during the 2016 Copa America qualification.
Yorke anticipates a tough matchup against Haiti, acknowledging their aggression and urgency on the field. He emphasized that his squad must match that intensity with their own desire and commitment to succeed. The head coach pointed out that their recent participation in the Unity Cup and World Cup qualifying matches has been challenging yet beneficial for the team’s development.
Despite the demanding schedule and limited depth in their defensive lineup—specifically in central defense—Yorke remains optimistic about the team’s future. He mentioned ongoing efforts to identify potential reinforcements for the squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, ensuring fans that scouting initiatives are already in progress.
The head coach has also focused on the mental recovery of his players following the loss, allowing them some time off to regroup. He believes that this match presents an opportunity for the team to not only prove themselves to their fans but also to rebuild their confidence.
The Soca Warriors will look to rally and assert themselves against Haiti, a team with whom they share a competitive history. Following the match against Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago will continue their Gold Cup group stage campaign against Saudi Arabia on June 22.
This upcoming match represents more than just a chance for victory; it is a pivotal moment for the team to demonstrate their growth and commitment as they pursue success on the international stage.