World Playoffs 2026: Jamaica snuffs out New Caledonia’s dream, Bolivia good

On the field for the European playoffs but also outside the Old Continent. The two semifinals of the six-team tournament that puts two World Cup spots up for grabs were played in Mexico. Jamaica, albeit suffering, eliminated surprise New Caledonia. The match ended 1-0, thanks to a goal signed by Cadamarteri, a 20-year-old Wrexham striker, in the first half of the game.

Sorry former accountant, now interim Jamaica coach Rudolph Speid who has, as his task, to bring the Reggae Boyz back to a World Cup final stage. It would be the second time after participating in the 1998 edition. Chewing bitterly is New Caledonia, which sees its great dream of participating, for the first time, in a World Cup final stage fade away.

Bolivia also did well, which, in a comeback, bent the resistance of Suriname. Match ended on the score of 2-1 in favor of the Bolivians. Having gone into a disadvantage (Van Gelderen’s goal), Bolivia reversed the result with the signatures of Paniagua and Miguelito on a penalty kick. “I want to emphasize the character of the players, who never gave up; it’s a team that never stops trying and they were able to fight back,” Bolivia coach Villegas told ESPN.

Tuesday the 31st features the two finals that will determine which two national teams will be eligible to play in the 2026 World Cup. Jamaica will play for a World Cup pass against the Democratic Republic of Congo while Iraq will be Bolivia’s opponent. The two finals will also be played in Mexico.