Antigua and Barbuda national football team

Antigua and Barbuda
NicknameThe Benna Boys
AssociationAntigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA)
ConfederationCONCACAF (North America)
Sub-confederationCFU (Caribbean)
Head coachJacques Passy[1]
CaptainQuinton Griffith
Most capsPeter Byers (91)
Top scorerPeter Byers (44)
Home stadiumAntigua Recreation Ground
Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
FIFA codeATG
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 165 (22 December 2025)[2]
Highest70 (October 2014)
Lowest170 (December 2003 – January 2004)
First international
Antigua and Barbuda 2–0  Montserrat
(Basseterre, Saint Christopher and Nevis; 1 February 1950)
Biggest win
 Antigua and Barbuda 10–0 U.S. Virgin Islands 
(North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda; 11 October 2011)
Biggest defeat
 Trinidad and Tobago 11–1 Antigua and Barbuda 
(Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago; 10 November 1972)
CFU Championship / Caribbean Cup
Appearances11 (first in 1978)
Best resultRunners-up (1988)
Medal record

The Antigua and Barbuda national football team represents Antigua and Barbuda in men's international football, which is governed by the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association founded in 1928.[4] It has been a member of FIFA and CONCACAF since 1972. Regionally, it is a member of CFU in the Caribbean Zone.

Antigua and Barbuda has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup and the CONCACAF Gold Cup, but has participated four times in the League B of the CONCACAF Nations League. Regionally, the team finished as runners-up in the CFU Championship in 1988.

Antigua and Barbuda's debut in international competitions was in the 1973 CONCACAF Championship qualification, which also served as the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 1974 FIFA World Cup. The team achieved its first victory in 1950, defeating Montserrat 2–0 in the Leeward Islands Tournament, which was also the first match in the team's history.

History

First official international match

On November 10, 1972, Antigua and Barbuda's first official match was in the 1973 CONCACAF Championship qualification, losing to Trinidad and Tobago 11–1 in Port of Spain, which is the worst defeat in the team's history.

Friendlies against European teams

On 17 December 2005, the Antigua and Barbuda national team played their first match against a European opponent after the Hungarian Football Federation invited "the Benna Boys" to play Hungary in an international friendly at Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This was the first match coached by former national striker Derrick Edwards. Hungary defeated Antigua and Barbuda 3–0.[5]

On 2 May 2016, the Estonian Football Association announced that their national team would play Antigua and Barbuda in an international friendly on 22 November. It was the team's second match against a European opponent. Estonia won the game 1–0.[6]

2018 drug bust in Jamaica

During the March 2018 FIFA Calendar Antigua and Barbuda played Jamaica, drawing 1–1 away at Sabina Park, levelling in the last seconds of match from a header from Peter Byers. Upon the team's preparation for their departure back to Antigua, assistant coach Derrick Edwards and equipment manager Danny Benjamin were arrested and charged with possession of, dealing in, and taking steps to export marijuana, and conspiracy at the Norman Manley International Airport. Initially, Edwards was awarded bail and Benjamin was held without bail; after a month, both Edwards and Benjamin were placed under house arrest and curfew and gave up their travel documents.[7] Both men were acquitted of the crime on 14 June, citing there was not enough evidence to prove their involvement in the carrying the drugs with the intention of smuggling them out of Jamaica.

Team image

Nicknames

The official nickname of the Antigua and Barbuda national football team is "the Benna Boys", referring to a genre of Antiguan and Barbudan music similar to calypso. The name was selected in a contest with the fanbase in 2012 after the team advanced to the third round of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. "The Benna Boys" beat out other entries in the contest such as "Beach Boys", "Iron Bandits", "Rhythm Warriors" and "Party Crashers".[8] In the past, the national team was unofficially known as "the Wadadli Boys", another name that was in the contest but did not win.[9]

Kit suppliers

The kit of the national team has been manufactured by Spanish-based Joma since March 2021, ahead of the first round of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers.

Kit manufacturer Time period
Admiral 1995–1999
Virma 2000–2003
Adidas 2006–2011
Peak 2012–2016
Admiral 2016–2020
Joma 2021–present

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

2025

6 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Antigua and Barbuda  0–1  Cuba Piggotts, Antigua and Barbuda
15:00 UTC−4 Report
  • Pedro Bravo 45+8'
Stadium: ABFA Technical Centre
Attendance: 428
Referee: Kwinsi Williams (Trinidad and Tobago)

Coaching staff

Current coaching staff

Name Position
Jacques Passy Head coach
Janiel Simon Manager
Lenny Hewlett Assistant coach
Schyan Jeffers Assistant coach
Eduardo Suarez Assistant coach
Juan Lecona Nava Goalkeeper coach
McClean Lawrence Physiotherapist
Danny Benjamin Equipment manager

Manager history

The following is a list of head coaches of the Antigua and Barbuda national team throughout the years.

Name Period Matches Wins Draws Losses Notes
Rudi Gutendorf 1976
Zoran Vraneš 1998–2000 Fourth place at the 1998 Caribbean Cup
Walter Gama 2001–2002
Rolston Williams 2004
Derrick Edwards 2005–2008
Willie Donachie 2008 16 8 3 5
Rowan Benjamin 2008–2011 11 4 3 4
Tom Curtis 2011–2012 21 8 3 10 Semifinal round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifiers
Rolston Williams 2012–2014 6 4 0 2
Piotr Nowak 2014–2015 12 5 2 5 Highest FIFA Ranking (70) under his tenure
Rolston Williams 2015–2018 8 3 0 5
Derrick Edwards 2018–2019 6 2 1 3
Michél Dinzey 2019–2020 10 4 0 6
Mikele Leigertwood 2021–2025 25 6 4 15
Jacques Passy 2025- 4 0 1 3

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2025–26 CONCACAF Series matches against Aruba and Guyana on 12 and 18 November 2025.[10]

Caps and goals are correct as of 12 November 2025, after the match against Aruba.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Jayden Martin (2002-11-07) 7 November 2002 1 0 All Saints United
18 1GK Zaieem Scott (2004-07-10) 10 July 2004 9 0 Future Pro Academy
21 1GK Shahoi Dorsett (2004-06-23) 23 June 2004 2 0 CF Lorca Deportiva

2 2DF Zafique Drew (2003-08-30) 30 August 2003 13 0 All Saints United
5 2DF Kylano Isaac (2005-01-10) January 10, 2005 3 0 Future Pro Academy
6 2DF Tyrik Hughes (2005-07-13) 13 July 2005 9 0 CF Lorca Deportiva
13 2DF Amir Daley (2002-02-26) February 26, 2002 3 0 Birmingham Legion
14 2DF Jahzinho O'Garro (2002-12-12) 12 December 2002 4 0 All Saints United
17 2DF Leroy Graham (1999-12-07) December 7, 1999 15 0 All Saints United

8 3MF Sean Tomlinson (2004-03-25) 25 March 2004 5 0 CF Lorca Deportiva
9 3MF Dion Pereira (1999-03-25) 25 March 1999 10 1 Crawley Town
10 3MF TJ Bramble (2001-05-09) 9 May 2001 21 2 Maidstone United
11 3MF Quinton Griffith (1992-02-27) 27 February 1992 89 11 Grenades
12 3MF Shalon Knight (2000-03-04) 4 March 2000 7 0 All Saints United
20 3MF Dannen Francis (2004-12-14) 14 December 2004 3 0 CD Almuñécar City

7 4FW Raheem Deterville (1999-12-01) 1 December 1999 22 2 All Saints United
15 4FW Daryl Massicot (2005-02-12) 12 February 2005 8 0 Cavalier
19 4FW D'Andre Bishop (2002-10-02) 2 October 2002 29 3 All Saints United
23 4FW Karique Knight (2005-04-03) 3 April 2005 2 0 All Saints United

Recent call-ups

The following players have also been called up to the Antigua and Barbuda squad within the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Taj Moore (2005-06-16) 16 June 2005 9 1 Brock Badgers v.  Honduras, 10 June 2025

DF Luther James-Wildin (1997-12-03) 3 December 1997 4 0 Stevenage v.  Honduras, 10 June 2025
DF Antonio Morgan (2006-03-29) 29 March 2006 8 0 Lewes v.  Honduras, 10 June 2025

FW Drake Hadeed (2007-11-21) 21 November 2007 2 0 Carolina Core v.  Honduras, 10 June 2025

Player records

As of 19 November 2024[11]
Players in bold are still active with Antigua and Barbuda.

Most appearances

Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Peter Byers 91 44 2004–2021
2 Quinton Griffith 89 11 2009–present
3 George Dublin 67 4 2000–2012
4 Tamorley Thomas 64 12 2002–2021
5 Karanja Mack 58 0 2006–2022
6 Ranjae Christian 54 5 1998–2012
7 Randolph Burton 52 15 2008–2016
Akeem Thomas 52 2 2008–2018
9 Gayson Gregory 49 8 2000–2014
Molvin James 49 0 2007–2021

Top goalscorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Peter Byers 44 91 0.48 2004–2021
2 Derrick Edwards 18 22 0.82 1988–2000
3 Randolph Burton 15 52 0.29 2008–2016
4 Tamorley Thomas 12 64 0.19 2002–2021
5 Quinton Griffith 11 89 0.11 2009–present
6 Jamie Thomas 10 31 0.32 2006–2011
7 Myles Weston 9 16 0.56 2014–2023
8 Garfield Gonsalves 8 29 0.28 1992–2008
Kerry Skepple 8 34 0.24 2002–2012
Gayson Gregory 8 49 0.16 2000–2014

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1970 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
1974 Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 3 22
1978 and 1982 Did not participate Did not participate
1986 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 2 5
1990 2 0 0 2 1 4
1994 4 1 1 2 5 6
1998 2 0 1 1 4 6
2002 6 1 2 3 4 15
2006 2 1 0 1 2 3
2010 4 2 0 2 7 8
2014 12 5 1 6 32 18
2018 4 2 0 2 6 6
2022 4 2 1 1 6 5
2026 4 0 1 3 1 5
2030 To be determined To be determined
2034
Total 0/12 50 15 7 28 73 103

CONCACAF Gold Cup

CONCACAF Championship / Gold Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
1963 to 1971 Part of United Kingdom Part of United Kingdom
1973 Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 3 22
1977 and 1981 Did not participate Did not participate
1985 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 2 5
1989 2 1 1 0 1 4
1991 Did not participate Did not participate
1993 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 1 1
1996 3 1 2 2 6 11
1998 2 0 0 2 1 5
2000 11 4 2 5 24 17
2002 3 0 1 2 4 5
2003 5 0 1 4 1 8
2005 3 1 0 2 6 8
2007 6 2 0 4 8 17
2009 9 4 3 2 19 16
2011 6 2 2 2 4 5
2013 3 1 0 2 3 3
2015 9 4 2 3 14 11
2017 6 3 0 3 10 8
2019 4 2 0 2 10 8
2021 6 3 0 3 8 17
2023 7 3 0 4 5 12
2025 6 0 1 5 2 15
Total 0/20 99 33 15 51 132 198

CONCACAF Nations League

CONCACAF Nations League record
League phase Final phase
Season Div. Group Pos. Pld W D L GF GA P/R Finals Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad
2019−20 B C 7th 6 3 0 3 8 17 2021 Ineligible
2022–23 B A 8th 6 3 0 3 5 7 2023
2023–24 B D 13th 6 1 1 4 9 22 2024
2024–25 B D 15th 6 0 1 5 2 15 2025
2026–27 C To be determined 2027
Total 24 7 2 15 24 61 Total

Caribbean Cup

CFU Championship / Caribbean Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1978 Fourth place 4th 5 1 1 3 4 8 2 1 1 0 3 0
1979 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 0 2
1981 Did not participate Did not participate
1983 Fourth place 4th 7 2 2 3 11 10 4 2 2 0 10 5
1985 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 2 2
1988 Runners-up 2nd 5 1 4 0 5 4 2 1 1 0 2 1
1989 Did not qualify 4 3 0 1 4 2
1990 3 0 1 2 2 5
1991 Did not participate Did not participate
1992 Group stage 7th 3 0 1 2 2 12 3 3 0 0 8 0
1993 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 1 1
1994 2 1 0 1 10 3
1995 Group stage 7th 3 1 0 2 3 8 2 0 2 0 3 3
1996 Withdrew Withdrew
1997 Group stage 6th 2 0 0 2 1 5 Qualified as hosts
1998 Fourth place 4th 5 2 0 3 11 9 3 2 1 0 11 3
1999 Did not qualify 3 0 1 2 2 5
2001 3 0 1 2 4 5
2005 3 1 0 2 6 8
2007 6 2 0 4 8 17
2008 Group stage 7th 3 0 2 1 3 6 6 4 1 1 16 10
2010 Group stage 5th 3 1 0 2 2 4 3 1 2 0 2 1
2012 Group stage 8th 3 1 0 2 3 3 Qualified as hosts
2014 Group stage 7th 3 0 1 2 2 7 6 4 1 1 12 4
2017 Did not qualify 6 3 0 3 10 8
Total Runners-up 11/22 42 9 11 22 47 76 67 30 14 23 116 85

Central American and Caribbean Games

Central American and Caribbean Games record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1982 Did not participate
1986 Quarter-finals 5th 2 0 1 1 1 2
Total Quarter-finals 1/1 2 0 1 1 1 2

Head-to-head record

The following table shows Antigua and Barbuda's all-time official international record per opponent:[12]
Updated to 18 November 2025 after the match against Guyana

Key

  Winning record   Equal record   Losing record

Opponent Pld W D L GF GA
 Anguilla 5 5 0 0 28 3
 Aruba 6 5 1 0 11 4
 Bahamas 3 2 1 0 12 3
 Barbados 8 1 1 6 9 16
 Bermuda 14 3 5 6 14 18
 British Virgin Islands 8 4 2 2 14 10
 Cayman Islands 3 0 1 2 1 4
 Cuba 8 0 1 7 4 19
 Curaçao 4 3 0 1 10 6
 Dominica 17 8 5 4 28 20
 Dominican Republic 8 1 2 5 8 21
 El Salvador 1 0 0 1 0 3
 Estonia 1 0 0 1 0 1
 French Guiana 1 1 0 0 2 1
 Grenada 6 3 3 0 13 7
 Guadeloupe 7 2 1 4 4 12
 Guatemala 8 1 0 7 3 31
 Guyana 15 5 3 7 17 37
 Haiti 12 2 3 7 11 19
 Honduras 2 0 0 2 0 3
 Hungary 1 0 0 1 0 3
 Jamaica 12 1 2 9 5 29
 Martinique 4 1 0 3 6 12
 Mexico 1 0 0 1 0 8
 Montserrat 4 3 1 0 20 6
 Puerto Rico 4 1 0 3 5 10
 Saint Kitts and Nevis 23 9 5 9 30 31
 Saint Lucia 14 5 3 6 23 18
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 13 7 2 4 17 20
 Sint Maarten 3 2 0 1 7 2
 Suriname 6 1 2 3 4 15
 Trinidad and Tobago 13 2 0 11 12 41
 U.S. Virgin Islands 5 5 0 0 26 1
 United States 2 0 0 2 2 5
Total 240 83 43 114 342 428

Honours

Subregional

Friendly

References

  1. ^ https://inside.fifa.com/associations/ATG
  2. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 22 December 2025. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
  3. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 21 December 2025. Retrieved 21 December 2025.
  4. ^ "ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA". Concacaf. 7 March 2021. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
  5. ^ "Caribbean Net News: Hungary beat Antigua-Barbuda in exhibition match". caribbeannewsnow.com. Archived from the original on 17 April 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  6. ^ "Eesti Jalgpalli Liit". jalgpall.ee. Archived from the original on 4 June 2016. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
  7. ^ Helps, HG (1 April 2018). "A coach's ganja plan". Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 17 August 2022.
  8. ^ "Text to 774 – 3307 your choice for the name the team contest". Archived from the original on 28 May 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  9. ^ "Football (Soccer) Team Nicknames". www.topendsports.com. Archived from the original on 28 July 2017. Retrieved 28 March 2023.
  10. ^ "Here's the final Senior Men's National Team set to represent Antigua and Barbuda in the Concacaf Series". Facebook. ABFA - Antigua And Barbuda Football Association. 11 November 2025.
  11. ^ "Antigua and Barbuda". National Football Teams.
  12. ^ "Antigua And Barbuda national football team statistics and records: All-time record". 11v11.com. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved 22 November 2014.