Belize national football team
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Nickname(s) | The Jaguars The Unbelizeables | ||
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Association | Football Federation of Belize | ||
Confederation | CONCACAF (North America) | ||
Sub-confederation | UNCAF (Central America) | ||
Head coach | David Pérez Asensio | ||
Captain | Ian Gaynair | ||
Most caps | Elroy Smith (61) | ||
Top scorer | Deon McCaulay (28) | ||
Home stadium | FFB Field | ||
FIFA code | BLZ | ||
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FIFA ranking | |||
Current | 173 ![]() | ||
Highest | 114 (April–June 2016) | ||
Lowest | 201 (November 2007 – January 2008) | ||
First international | |||
![]() ![]() (British Honduras; February 19, 1928) as Belize ![]() ![]() (San Salvador, El Salvador; November 29, 1995) | |||
Biggest win | |||
![]() ![]() (Belize City, Belize; April 17, 2002) | |||
Biggest defeat | |||
![]() ![]() (San José, Costa Rica; March 17, 1999) ![]() ![]() (Monterrey, Mexico; June 21, 2008) | |||
Gold Cup | |||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2013) | ||
Best result | Group stage (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.
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]
Stadium
FFB Field 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.
Schedule and recent results
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
2021
25 March WC 1st Round Qualifying | Haiti ![]() | 2–0 | ![]() | Port-au-Prince, Haiti |
17:00 | Report | Stadium: Stade Sylvio Cator Referee: Walter López Castellanos (Guatemala) |
30 March WC 1st Round Qualifying | Belize ![]() | 5–0 | ![]() | San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic |
17:00 UTC−4 | Report | Stadium: Estadio Panamericano Referee: Nima Saghafi (United States) |
4 June WC 1st Round Qualifying | Nicaragua ![]() | 3–0 | ![]() | Managua, Nicaragua |
19:00 UTC−6 | Report | Stadium: Nicaragua National Football Stadium Referee: Nelson Salgado (Honduras) |
2022
29 January Friendly | Nicaragua ![]() | 4–0 | ![]() | Managua, Nicaragua |
19:00 (UTC−6) | Report | Stadium: Estadio Nacional de Fútbol Referee: Ricardo Mendoza (Nicaragua) |
1 February Friendly | Nicaragua ![]() | 1–1 | ![]() | Managua, Nicaragua |
19:00 (UTC−6) |
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Report |
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Stadium: Estadio Nacional de Fútbol Referee: Félix Mojica (Nicaragua) |
2 June Nations League | Belize ![]() | v | ![]() | Belize |
Stadium: TBD |
5 June Nations League | Guatemala ![]() | v | ![]() | Guatemala |
Stadium: TBD |
10 June Nations League | Belize ![]() | v | ![]() | Belize |
Stadium: TBD |
13 June Nations League | French Guiana ![]() | v | ![]() | French Guiana |
Stadium: TBD |
2023
24 March Nations League | Belize ![]() | v | ![]() | Belize |
Stadium: TBD |
27 March Nations League | Dominican Republic ![]() | v | ![]() | Dominican Republic |
Stadium: TBD |
Coaching staff
Name | Nat | Position |
---|---|---|
Dale Pelayo Sr. | ![]() |
Head coach |
Philip Marin | ![]() |
Technical director |
Jack Striders | ![]() |
Technical director |
Carlos Slusher | ![]() |
Assistant Head coach |
Peter Jones | ![]() |
Assistant Head coach |
Kent Gabourel Sr. | ![]() |
Goalkeeping coach |
Shaun Woodmac | ![]() |
Physical Trainer |
Thomas Rivars | ![]() |
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.
Manager | Period in charge | Played | Won | Drawn | Lost | Win % |
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1995–1996 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0.0 |
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1999–2000 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 0.0 |
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2001 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 60.0 |
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2003 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
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2003–2006 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0.0 |
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2006–2007 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 |
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2008 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 50.0 |
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2008 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0.0 |
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2008–2009 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0.0 |
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2010–2012 | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 28.6 |
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2012–2013 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 20.0 |
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2013 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 |
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2013–2014 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0.0 |
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2014–2015 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0.0 |
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2015–2016 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 50.0 |
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2016–2018 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 0.0 |
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2018-2019 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 50.0 |
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2019-2020 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 33.3 |
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2020–present | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — |
Players
Current squad
The following players were called up for friendlies against Nicaragua on 29 January and 1 February 2022.[4]
Caps and goals updated as of 1 February 2022, after the game against Nicaragua.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Woodrow West | 19 September 1985 | 44 | 0 | ![]() | |
GK | Charles Tillett | 29 July 2001 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
GK | Isaac Castillo | 25 January 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Ian Gaynair | 26 February 1986 | 57 | 2 | ![]() | |
DF | Evral Trapp | 22 January 1987 | 38 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Norman Anderson | 25 January 1997 | 10 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Collin Westby | 19 February 1995 | 6 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Donell Arzu | 27 September 1999 | 3 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Deshawon Nembhard | 8 October 1994 | 3 | 1 | ![]() | |
DF | Alence Ayala | 24 April 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() | |
DF | Allan Barillas | 13 January 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Denmark Casey Jr. | 14 January 1994 | 22 | 1 | ![]() | |
MF | Nana Mensah | 19 January 1989 | 21 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Jordy Polanco | 8 June 1996 | 17 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Luis Torres | 3 February 1993 | 6 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Darrel Myvett | 15 December 1993 | 5 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Warren Moss | 13 October 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Eldon Reneau | 22 May 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() | |
MF | Rene Leslie | 12 December 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() | |
FW | Deon McCaulay (captain) | 20 September 1987 | 58 | 28 | ![]() | |
FW | Michael Salazar | 15 November 1992 | 17 | 2 | ![]() | |
FW | Krisean Lopez | 2 November 1998 | 15 | 3 | ![]() | |
FW | Carlos Bernárdez | 28 December 1992 | 6 | 2 | ![]() | |
FW | Jesse August | 22 January 1994 | 3 | 1 | ![]() |
Recent call-ups
The following players have been called up within the past 12 months.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DF | Jordan Casanova | 30 April 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Asrel Sutherland | 8 March 1993 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | José Urbina | 13 February 1995 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Ean Lewis | 25 February 1991 | 5 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Izon Gill | 27 December 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Jahlin Pelayo | 29 August 2001 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Andrés Makin | 11 April 1992 | 25 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Nahjib Guerra | 18 August 1994 | 10 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Tony Rocha | 21 August 1993 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Angelo Capello | 27 January 2002 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Jesse Smith | 24 November 1991 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Gilroy Thurton | 7 September 1993 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Desmond Wade | 31 August 1997 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Jonard Castillo | 11 December 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Carlos Gonzalez | 27 July 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
INJ Withdrew due to injury |
Records
- As of 1 February 2022
- Players in bold are still active with Belize.
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Competition records
World Cup record
FIFA World Cup record | FIFA World Cup qualification record | ||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
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Did not enter | Declined participation | |||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | ||||||||
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4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 10 | |||||||||
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 8 | |||||||||
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4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 11 | |||||||||
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8 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 17 | 13 | |||||||||
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6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 7 | 6 | |||||||||
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3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||
Total | 0/22 | 29 | 8 | 6 | 15 | 37 | 59 |
CONCACAF Championship & Gold Cup record
CONCACAF Championship & CONCACAF Gold Cup record | ||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | ||||
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![]() | Did not exist | |||||||||||
1985 | ||||||||||||
1989 | ||||||||||||
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![]() | Did not qualify | |||||||||||
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![]() ![]() | Did not enter | |||||||||||
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Group stage | 12th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 11 | ||||
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Did not qualify | |||||||||||
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Total | Group stage | 1/16 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 11 |
CONCACAF Nations League
CONCACAF Nations League record | ||||||||||
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Year | Division | Group | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | P/R | Rank |
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B | A | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 12 | ![]() |
24th |
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B | D | To be determined | |||||||
Total | 6 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 12 | 24th | |||
Copa Centroamericana
Copa Centroamericana record | ||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA |
![]() | Did not exist | |||||||
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![]() | Group Stage | 6th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
![]() | Preliminary | 7th | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
![]() | Group Stage | 6th | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 12 |
![]() | Group Stage | 6th | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 7 |
![]() | Did not enter | |||||||
![]() | Group Stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 7 |
![]() | Group Stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
![]() | Group Stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
![]() | Group Stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 |
![]() | Fourth Place | 4th | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
![]() | Group Stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
![]() | Group Stage | 6th | 5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 10 |
Total | Fourth Place | 10/13 | 30 | 1 | 6 | 23 | 19 | 69 |
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.[5] 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 1 February 2022 after match against Nicaragua[6]
Positive Record Neutral Record Negative Record
Opponent | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GF |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 |
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2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 |
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5 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 14 | −13 |
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2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
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6 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 18 | −17 |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | −3 |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 |
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10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 6 | 29 | −23 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 |
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5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
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11 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 19 | −10 |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 | +1 |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | –2 |
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10 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 4 | 24 | −20 |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 9 | −9 |
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3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 8 | 4 | +4 |
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12 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 19 | 21 | –2 |
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6 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 10 | −7 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 |
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4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | −1 |
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4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 |
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2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | −5 |
Total | 96 | 23 | 18 | 55 | 101 | 188 | −87 |
References
- "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. March 31, 2022. Retrieved March 31, 2022.
- "World Football Elo Ratings: Belize". Elo Ratings. Retrieved September 28, 2019.
- Suspension of the Football Federation of Belize – FIFA
- "Belize Men's National Football Team is already in training at FFB in Belmopan to face Guatemala, Nicaragua next week". Breaking Belize News.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on April 20, 2009. Retrieved 2010-11-24.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "World Football Elo Ratings: Belize". Elo Ratings. Retrieved October 24, 2018.