In a pivotal moment for Aruban football, the Aruban Football Association (AVB) officially unveiled its 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against regional rivals Curaçao and St. Lucia. The announcement was made last night in a press conference attended by AVB board member Raymbert Bikker, head coach Marvic Bermudez, and team manager Steve Escalona.

Squad Composition and Key Players

The selected squad comprises 3 goalkeepers, 8 defenders, 6 midfielders, and 6 forwards, each chosen for their skills, form, and potential to impact the games. The roster is as follows:

Coach’s Strategy and Expectations

Coach Marvic Bermudez emphasized the importance of unity and precision in these critical fixtures. “Facing Curaçao and St. Lucia, we need everything to be perfect on the day – the players’ performance, the strategies from the coaching staff, and the unwavering support from our fans,” Bermudez stated. He acknowledged the high level of competition, particularly from Curaçao, which is ranked 92nd in the FIFA rankings and boasts a squad of professional players from the Netherlands under the legendary coach Dick Advocaat.

Historical Context and Match Preview

Aruba’s first match will be against Curaçao on June 8, 2024, at the Guillermo Trinidad Sports Complex in Dakota. This encounter is highly anticipated, given the historical rivalry and the teams’ previous clashes. The last time Aruba faced Curaçao was in 2015 during the ABCS Tournament, where both teams displayed competitive spirit and skill. Historically, Aruba and Curaçao have met three times, each securing one win and one draw, making the upcoming match a tiebreaker of sorts.

Following this, Aruba will travel to Barbados for the second match against St. Lucia on June 11, 2024. Both matches are crucial for Aruba’s aspiration to advance in the World Cup qualification process.

Group C Dynamics

Aruba is placed in Group C, alongside Barbados, Curaçao, Haiti, and St. Lucia. The group stage presents a challenging path, with each team bringing its unique strengths and strategies. Curaçao, with its higher FIFA ranking and experienced players, is considered the toughest opponent. However, Coach Bermudez believes in the potential of the Aruban team to deliver surprising results.

Call to Action for Fans

The AVB is calling on all football enthusiasts and Aruban citizens to support the national team. “When it comes to playing against Curaçao, statistics and rankings don’t matter. The ball is round, and anything can happen,” Bermudez remarked. He urged fans to fill the stands and create an electrifying atmosphere that could propel the team to victory. Tickets are available at Urataka Center, Oranjestad Gas Station, and Pay.aw.

Conclusion

As Aruba steps onto the international stage in the quest for World Cup qualification, the nation’s hopes and dreams rest on the shoulders of these 23 dedicated players. With the right mix of talent, strategy, and support, Aruba aims to make a significant impact and perhaps, make history. The journey begins on June 8, and the entire country is invited to join and support Team Aruba in this exciting endeavor.