Belize national football team

Last updated

Belize
Belize national football team logo.png
Nickname(s) The Jaguars
The Unbelizeables
Association Football Federation of Belize (FFB)
Confederation CONCACAF (North America)
Sub-confederation UNCAF (Central America)
Head coach Carlos Slusher
Captain Charles Tillett
Most caps Deon McCaulay (63)
Top scorer Deon McCaulay (28)
Home stadium FFB Stadium
FIFA code BLZ
Kit left arm blz1819h.png
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body blz1819h.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm blz1819h.png
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts blz1819h.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
First colours
Kit left arm.svg
Kit body blz1819a.png
Kit body.svg
Kit right arm.svg
Kit shorts blz1819a.png
Kit shorts.svg
Kit socks long.svg
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 178 Steady2.svg (19 December 2024) [1]
Highest114 (April–June 2016)
Lowest201 (November 2007 – January 2008)
First international
Flag of British Honduras (1919-1981).svg  British Honduras 1–0 Honduras  Flag of Honduras (1898-1949).svg
(British Honduras; 19 February 1928)
as Belize
Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador 3–0 Belize  Flag of Belize (1981-2019).svg
(San Salvador, El Salvador; 29 November 1995)
Biggest win
Flag of Belize (1981-2019).svg  Belize 7–1 Nicaragua  Flag of Nicaragua.svg
(Belize City, Belize; 17 April 2002)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica 7–0 Belize  Flag of Belize (1981-2019).svg
(San José, Costa Rica; 17 March 1999)
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 7–0 Belize  Flag of Belize (1981-2019).svg
(Monterrey, Mexico; 21 June 2008)
Gold Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2013 )
Best resultGroup stage (2013)
Copa Centroamericana
Appearances10 (first in 1995 )
Best resultFourth place (2013)

The Belize national football team represents Belize in international football and is controlled by the Football Federation of Belize, a member of the Central American Football Union of CONCACAF.

Contents

Although Belize has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup tournament, it has once qualified for a CONCACAF Gold Cup championship in 2013, in which they were eliminated in the group stage. Belize has also competed in the sub-regional Central American Cup championship in which their best result was fourth place in 2013. The nickname for the players of the national team is the "Jaguars".

History

Overview

Named British Honduras whilst under British colonial rule, the country's first international game came on February 19, 1928, beating Honduras 1–0. Following independence, Belize's first game came on December 8, 1983, in a 2–0 loss against Canada in Belize. [2] Although Belize gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 (and many of the UK's current colonies have international teams), Belize did not begin to regularly play international football until 1995. It made its debut at the 1995 UNCAF Nations Cup and was eliminated in the first round after losing to El Salvador and Costa Rica.

Belize has never qualified for the World Cup but finished fourth in the 2013 Copa Centroamericana. Their fourth-place finish in the 2013 Copa Centroamericana gave Belize its first qualification to a major international competition, that being the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

June 2011 suspension by FIFA

On June 15, 2011, Belize kicked off its 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign against minnows Montserrat, winning 2–5 away in a match played in the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva, Trinidad. However, the return which was scheduled for June 19 was postponed by FIFA when they suspended the FFB due to governmental interference. [3]

Team image

In February 2023 the Football Federation of Belize unveiled a new logo that would represent Belize’s national teams. Created by Rolando Ramirez, the new logo prominently features a Jaguar, the nickname of the team. The FFB hoped that the new image would promote unity and pride in the Belize football community. [4]

Rivalries

The Belizean footballers often say that their rivals is the Guatemalan national team

Stadium

FFB Stadium in Belmopan is the home stadium for the Belize national football team. Prior to this stadium, Belize had no facilities that met FIFA specifications. Apart from this Belize has many fields to play on but with no facilities for the players.

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win  Draw  Loss  Fixture

2024

22 March Friendly Belize  Flag of Belize.svg1–1Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico Belmopan, Belize
19:30  UTC−6
  • Bernárdez Soccerball shade.svg6'
Report
Stadium: FFB Stadium
24 March Friendly Belize  Flag of Belize.svg3–0Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico Belmopan, Belize
18:00  UTC−6
Report Stadium: FFB Stadium
8 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Belize  Flag of Belize.svg0–4Flag of Nicaragua.svg  Nicaragua Belmopan, Belize
20:00  UTC−6 Report
Stadium: FFB Field
Referee: Bryan López (Guatemala)
11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Guyana  Flag of Guyana.svg3–1Flag of Belize.svg  Belize Wildey, Barbados
18:00  UTC−4
Report Stadium: Wildey Turf
Referee: Reon Radix (Grenada)
9 October 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League Anguilla  Flag of Anguilla.svg0–1Flag of Belize.svg  Belize Belmopan, Belize
20:00  UTC−6 Report Stadium: FFB Stadium
Attendance: 522
Referee: Ray Torres (Puerto Rico)

2025

Coaching staff

NameNatPosition
Carlos Slusher Flag of Belize.svg Head coach
Horace Arboleda Flag of Belize.svg Technical director
Jack Striders Flag of Belize.svg Technical director
Peter Jones Flag of Belize.svg Assistant Head coach
Kent Gabourel Sr. Flag of Belize.svg Goalkeeping coach
Shaun Woodmac Flag of Belize.svg Physical Trainer
Thomas Rivars Flag of Belize.svg Physiotherapist

Coaching history

Since the creation of the national team in 1995, several coaches have been in charge of managing Belize. From 1995 to 1996, Winston Michael was appointed as Belize's first ever manager. As of January 2012, the Belize national football team has had 11 managers.

ManagerPeriod in chargePlayedWonDrawnLostWin %
Flag of Belize (1981-2019).svg Winston Michael 1995–19964004000.0
Flag of Argentina.svg Manuel Bilches 1999–20006015000.0
Flag of Costa Rica.svg Leroy Sherrier Lewis 20015311060.0
Flag of Brazil.svg Eduardo Santana 20030000!
Flag of Belize (1981-2019).svg Anthony Adderly 2003–20065005000.0
Flag of Brazil.svg Antonio Carlos Vieira 2006–20073003000.0
Flag of Guatemala.svg Palmiro Salas 20082101050.0
Flag of the United States.svg Ian Mork 20084013000.0
Flag of Mexico.svg Renan Couoh 2008–20093012000.0
Flag of Honduras (1949-2022).svg José de la Paz Herrera 2010–20127223028.6
Flag of Costa Rica.svg Leroy Sherrier Lewis 2012–20135113020.0
Flag of Belize (1981-2019).svg Charlie Slusher20131010000.0
Flag of the United States.svg Ian Mork 2013–20144013000.0
Flag of Costa Rica.svg Leroy Sherrier Lewis 2014–20153003000.0
Flag of Brazil.svg Jorge Nunez 2015–20164220050.0
Flag of Poland.svg Flag of the United States.svg Richard Orlowski 2016–20185014000.0
Flag of Guatemala.svg Palmiro Salas 2018–20196312050.0
Flag of Italy.svg Vincenzo Alberto Annese 2019–20206213033.3
Flag of Belize.svg Dale Pelayo Sr. 2020–20213102033.3
Flag of Spain.svg David Perez Asensio 2022–2024173410017.6
Flag of Belize (1981-2019).svg Charlie Slusher2024-Present4400100.0

Players

Woodrow West played numerous games for Belize Woodrow West.jpg
Woodrow West played numerous games for Belize

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League C matches against Anguilla and Turks and Caicos Islands on 12 and 15 October 2024. [5]

Caps and goals correct as of 15 October 2024, after the match against Flag of the Turks and Caicos Islands.svg  Turks and Caicos Islands .

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClub
1 GK Charles Tillett (2001-07-29) 29 July 2001 (age 23)200 Flag of Belize.svg Progresso
1 GK Orlando Galdámez (1992-02-24) 24 February 1992 (age 32)00 Flag of Belize.svg Atletico Belize

2 DF Jaylen Lennan (2002-06-17) 17 June 2002 (age 22)60 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes FC
2 DF Brandon Jones (1993-07-03) 3 July 1993 (age 31)40 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes FC
2 DF Harlan Casanova 20 Flag of Belize.svg Progresso
2 DF Jordan Casanova (2004-04-30) 30 April 2004 (age 20)10 Unattached
2 DF Brandon Rogers 00 Flag of Belize.svg San Pedro Pirates

3 MF Jordy Polanco (1996-06-08) 8 June 1996 (age 28)306 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes
3 MF Darrel Myvette (1993-12-15) 15 December 1993 (age 31)220 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes
3 MF Nahjib Guerra (1994-08-18) 18 August 1994 (age 30)200 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes
3 MF Andir Chi (2000-11-17) 17 November 2000 (age 24)100 Flag of Belize.svg Progresso
3 MF Gabriel Ramos (2000-01-19) 19 January 2000 (age 25)60 Flag of Belize.svg San Pedro Pirates
3 MF Moisés Hernández (1998-05-26) 26 May 1998 (age 26)31 Flag of Belize.svg San Pedro Pirates
3 MF Ramon Ramos (1994-11-23) 23 November 1994 (age 30)30 Flag of Belize.svg Progresso
3 MF Naim Wilson (1997-08-05) 5 August 1997 (age 27)30 Flag of Belize.svg Port Layola
3 MF Freybin Pagoada (2002-03-22) 22 March 2002 (age 22)20 Flag of Belize.svg CA Belize

4 FW Krisean Lopez (1998-11-02) 2 November 1998 (age 26)304 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes
4 FW Michael Palacio (2002-02-15) 15 February 2002 (age 23)91 Flag of Belize.svg Port Layola
4 FW Orlando Velásquez (1998-12-18) 18 December 1998 (age 26)42 Flag of Belize.svg Port Layola
4 FW Jardehl Muschamp (2002-11-03) 3 November 2002 (age 22)40 Flag of Honduras.svg Deportes Savio
4 FW Rene Leslie (1999-12-12) 12 December 1999 (age 25)20 Flag of Belize.svg Port Layola
4 FW Brian Chavez (2005-05-17) 17 May 2005 (age 19)00 Flag of Belize.svg San Pedro Pirates

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up within the past 12 months.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Woodrow West (1985-09-19) 19 September 1985 (age 39)460 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes v. Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana ; 12 June, 2024
GK Earl Dyck (2003-10-21) 21 October 2003 (age 21)00 Flag of Belize.svg Rising Stars v. Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla ; 10 September, 2024

DF Donell Arzú (1999-09-27) 27 September 1999 (age 25)90 Flag of Belize.svg Progresso v. Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla ; 10 September, 2024
DF Ashley Torres (1985-09-15) 15 September 1985 (age 39)60 Flag of Belize.svg Altitude v. Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla ; 10 September, 2024
DF Aldin Forman (1999-03-16) 16 March 1999 (age 25)10 Flag of Belize.svg San Pedro Pirates v. Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla ; 10 September, 2024
DF Devin Garbutt (2007-05-05) 5 May 2007 (age 17)10 Unattached v. Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla ; 10 September, 2024
DF Richard Gillett 00 Flag of Belize.svg Progresso v. Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla ; 10 September, 2024
DF Everal Trapp (1987-01-22) 22 January 1987 (age 38)550 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes v. Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana ; 12 June, 2024
DF Eugene Martínez (1997-10-20) 20 October 1997 (age 27)152 Flag of the United States.svg LA 10 FC v. Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana ; 12 June, 2024
DF Jahron Myvette (1995-05-09) 9 May 1995 (age 29)70 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes v. Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana ; 12 June, 2024
DF Deshawon Nembhard (1994-10-08) 8 October 1994 (age 30)121 Flag of the United States.svg Central Valley Fuego v. Flag of Nicaragua.svg  Nicaragua ; 9 June, 2024

MF Delone Torres (1994-06-14) 14 June 1994 (age 30)60 Flag of Belize.svg Altitude v. Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla ; 10 September, 2024
MF Warren Moss (1999-10-13) 13 October 1999 (age 25)131 Flag of the United States.svg Indiana Tech Warriors v. Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana ; 12 June, 2024
MF Nana Mensah (1989-01-19) 19 January 1989 (age 36)301 Flag of the United States.svg South Carolina United Heat v. Flag of Nicaragua.svg  Nicaragua ; 9 June, 2024

FW Jaheim Mena (2006-02-23) 23 February 2006 (age 18)20 Flag of the United States.svg Legends FC v. Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla ; 10 September, 2024
FW Latrell Middleton (1999-11-03) 3 November 1999 (age 25)10 Flag of Belize.svg Port Layola v. Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla ; 10 September, 2024
FW Carlos Bernárdez (1992-12-28) 28 December 1992 (age 32)164 Flag of Honduras.svg Real Sociedad v. Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana ; 12 June, 2024
FW Horace Ávila (1999-09-18) 18 September 1999 (age 25)111 Flag of Belize.svg San Pedro Pirates v. Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana ; 12 June, 2024
FW Michael Salazar (1992-11-15) 15 November 1992 (age 32)233 Flag of the United States.svg Los Angeles Force v. Flag of Nicaragua.svg  Nicaragua ; 9 June, 2024
FW Félix Martínez (2005-07-09) 9 July 2005 (age 19)11 Flag of Belize.svg Verdes v. Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico ; 25 March, 2024

Records

As of 19 November 2024 [6]
Players in bold are still active with Belize.

Most appearances

RankPlayerCapsGoalsCareer
1 Deon McCaulay 63282007–2022
2 Elroy Smith 6162004–2019
3 Ian Gaynair 5722007–2022
4 Evral Trapp 5502010–present
5 Woodrow West 4602008–present
6 Dalton Eiley 4102005–2019
Daniel Jiménez 4122008–2019
8 Harrison Róchez 4052004–2019
9 Trevor Lennan 3712005–2019
10 Elroy Kuylen 3362009–2019

Top goalscorers

RankPlayerGoalsCapsRatioCareer
1 Deon McCaulay 28630.442007–2022
2 Carlos Bernárdez 6180.332019–present
Jordy Polanco 6320.192015–present
Elroy Kuylen 6330.182009–2019
Elroy Smith 6610.12004–2019
6 Dion Frazer 580.632000–2008
Krisean Lopez 5320.162018–present
Harrison Róchez 5400.132004–2019
9 Norman Nuñez 3110.271995–2005
Vallan Symms 3200.152000–2011
Michael Salazar 3230.132013–present

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup FIFA World Cup qualification
YearRoundPositionPldWD*LGFGAPldWDLGFGA
1930 to 1978 Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom
1982 and 1986 Not a FIFA memberNot a FIFA member
1990 and 1994 Did not enterDeclined participation
Flag of France (lighter variant).svg 1998 Did not qualify200226
Flag of South Korea (1997-2011).svg Flag of Japan.svg 2002 4013210
Flag of Germany.svg 2006 200208
Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 4112411
Flag of Brazil.svg 2014 84131713
Flag of Russia.svg 2018 623176
Flag of Qatar.svg 2022 310255
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2026 To be determined200217
Flag of Morocco.svg Flag of Portugal.svg Flag of Spain.svg 2030 To be determined
Flag of Saudi Arabia.svg 2034
Total0/93186173866

CONCACAF Gold Cup

CONCACAF Championship & CONCACAF Gold Cup record Qualification record
YearRoundPositionPldWDLGFGASquadPldWDLGFGA
Flag of El Salvador.svg 1963 Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom Part of Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom
Flag of Guatemala.svg 1965
Flag of Honduras (1949-2022).svg 1967
Flag of Costa Rica.svg 1969
Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg 1971
Flag of Haiti (1964-1986).svg 1973
Flag of Mexico.svg 1977
Flag of Honduras (1949-2022).svg 1981
1985 Not a CONCACAF memberNot a CONCACAF member
1989 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of the United States.svg 1991
Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 1993
Flag of the United States.svg 1996 Did not qualify200215
Flag of the United States.svg 1998 201112
Flag of the United States.svg 2000 2002112
Flag of the United States.svg 2002 201137
Flag of Mexico.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2003 Did not enterDid not enter
Flag of the United States.svg 2005 Did not qualify300307
Flag of the United States.svg 2007 300337
Flag of the United States.svg 2009 301237
Flag of the United States.svg 2011 301238
Flag of the United States.svg 2013 Group stage12th3003111 Squad 511324
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Flag of the United States.svg 2015 Did not qualify300316
Flag of the United States.svg 2017 5014210
Flag of Costa Rica.svg Flag of Jamaica.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2019 420263
Flag of the United States.svg 2021 6204612
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Flag of the United States.svg 2023 6015210
TotalGroup stage1/18300311149553934100

CONCACAF Nations League

CONCACAF Nations League record
LeagueFinals
SeasonDivisionGroupPldWDLGFGAP/RFinalsResultPldWDLGFGASquad
2019−20 B A 6204612Steady3.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2020 Ineligible
2022–23 B D 6015210Steady3.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2023
2023–24 B C 621357Red Arrow Down.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2024
2024–25 C B 440090Green Arrow Up Darker.svg Flag of the United States.svg 2025
2026–27 B To be determined Flag of the United States.svg 2027
Total2282122229Total0 Titles

Copa Centroamericana

Copa Centroamericana record
YearRoundPositionPldWDLGFGA
Flag of Costa Rica.svg 1991 Did not enter
Flag of Honduras (1949-2022).svg 1993
Flag of El Salvador.svg 1995 Group stage6th200215
Flag of Guatemala.svg 1997 Preliminary round7th201112
Flag of Costa Rica.svg 1999 Group stage6th2002112
Flag of Honduras (1949-2022).svg 2001 6th201137
Flag of Panama.svg 2003 Did not enter
Flag of Guatemala.svg 2005 Group stage7th300307
Flag of El Salvador.svg 2007 7th300337
Flag of Honduras (1949-2022).svg 2009 7th301237
Flag of Panama.svg 2011 7th301238
Flag of Costa Rica.svg 2013 Fourth place4th511324
Flag of the United States.svg 2014 Group stage7th300316
Flag of Panama.svg 2017 6th5014210
TotalFourth place10/133016231969

The 1995 tournament in El Salvador saw Belize's international debut. They played the hosts in their first-ever international on November 29 in Group A. El Salvador won 3–0 with all goals coming in the second half. [7] On December 1, Belize scored their first-ever international goal as they lost 2–1 to Costa Rica and were eliminated from the tournament. Both other teams advanced to the semi-finals and were defeated there, Costa Rica's conqueror Honduras beat Guatemala in the final.

Head-to-head record

Updated on 19 November 2024 after match against Flag of French Guiana.svg  French Guiana [8]

  Positive Record  Neutral Record  Negative Record

OpponentPWDLGFGAGF
Flag of Anguilla.svg  Anguilla 220020+2
Flag of the Bahamas.svg  Bahamas 110040+4
Flag of Barbados.svg  Barbados 211010+1
Flag of Bermuda.svg  Bermuda 201112−1
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada 5014114−13
Flag of the Cayman Islands.svg  Cayman Islands 2020110
Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica 6006118−17
Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba 310239−6
Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic 4202550
Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador 100010629−23
Flag of French Guiana.svg  French Guiana 8422107+3
Flag of Grenada.svg  Grenada 520311110
Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala 130491023−13
Flag of Guyana.svg  Guyana 210143+1
Flag of Haiti.svg  Haiti 100102–2
Flag of Honduras.svg  Honduras 10109424−20
Flag of Jamaica.svg  Jamaica 1010220
Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico 200209−9
Flag of Montserrat.svg  Montserrat 320184+4
Flag of Nicaragua.svg  Nicaragua 134361925–6
Flag of Panama.svg  Panama 6024310−7
Flag of Puerto Rico.svg  Puerto Rico 321051+4
Flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis.svg  Saint Kitts and Nevis 421156−1
Flag of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.svg  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 622267–1
Flag of the Turks and Caicos Islands.svg  Turks and Caicos Islands 3300120+12
Flag of Trinidad and Tobago.svg  Trinidad and Tobago 2020000
Flag of the United States.svg  United States 100116−5
Total118312265124216−92

References

  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. December 19, 2024. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
  2. "World Football Elo Ratings: Belize". Elo Ratings. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
  3. Suspension of the Football Federation of Belize  – FIFA
  4. Iglesias, Rubén Morales. "Unleashing the power of The Jaguars: Football Federation of Belize reveals new Belize National Football Team logo by Rolando Ramirez". Breaking Belize News. Retrieved March 27, 2024.
  5. "Belize Senior Men's National Team". Instagram. Football Federation of Belize - FFB.
  6. "Belize". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on April 19, 2023. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  7. "Belize - List of International Matches". Archived from the original on April 20, 2009. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
  8. "World Football Elo Ratings: Belize". Elo Ratings. Retrieved October 24, 2018.