With their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign slated to commence on June 6th, the Golden Jaguars are currently undertaking a two-week training camp in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of the preparatory phase.
This was disclosed in a release from the Guyana Football Federation (GFF).
According to the correspondence, the camp, which was organised by the Rio de Janeiro State Transport Secretary, Washington Reis, in collaboration with businessmen and siblings Faizal and Kabir Khan, commenced on May 19th and featured 28 local and foreign-based players.
The release stated that the national programme will compete against Copa Libertadores winner and National League champion Fluminense, Flamengo, Caxias FC, and Club America.
The release did not disclose the provisional roster or the dates of the aforementioned fixtures. Guyana will open its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign away to Panama. They will then face off against Belize in Barbados on June 11th. Nicaragua and Montserrat are the other two teams in the group.
In their previous 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, Guyana ended with a record of one win and three losses to finish in fourth place on three points. Guyana defeated the Bahamas 4-0 but suffered defeats against Trinidad and Tobago [0-3], St. Kitts and Nevis [0-3], and Puerto Rico [0-2].
Reis stated that he is pleased “to host the Guyana National Football Team, as the start of building stronger relationships between Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, and Georgetown, Guyana.”
Meanwhile, GFF President Wayne Forde said, “I want to thank State Transport Secretary, Washington Reis, for inviting our national team to train in Rio de Janeiro. This opportunity allows the Golden Jaguars to prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign in a new setting and with the opportunity to play against formidable opponents within Brazil’s club system.”
He further said, “The GFF is investing heavily in these crucial pre-tournament camps, which are essential to the evaluation and selection of the final squad.
The generous hosting support being offered by Secretary Reis will contribute significantly to the impact of this camp. This is truly a fine example of the power of partnership and the huge benefits we can derive from these multi-stakeholder initiatives.”On the other hand, Faizal Khan said, “I am happy to facilitate this opportunity, as this is the type of public-private collaboration that will build long-standing footballing and business relationships between both Guyana and Brazil. I commend President Ali for supporting this project through the Ministry of Sports as well as the GFF for accepting our invitation.”
Also, Golden Jaguars Head Coach Jamaal Shabazz stated that the matches against the Brazilian opposition will impart the ideal mindset into the players heading into the qualifiers, adding that he will utilise this period to “develop a distinctive playing style within our tactical framework, both in possession and out, during transitions and set-piece scenarios, while fostering a strong team spirit and confidence among the squad, enabling the players to deliver their optimal performance for Guyana.”
