Saint Lucia open their 2026-27 Concacaf Nations League campaign today, hosting Barbados at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in the first match of their League B, Group B window. It's the first competitive match in charge for new head coach Rajesh Latchoo, who was only appointed days before the opener.
Latchoo has been direct about what he wants from this window. "The mission in the short term is 18 points," he said after naming his 25-man squad, the total he says is needed to guarantee top spot in a group that also includes Bermuda and Guadeloupe. Today's result is the first test of that target, not the last.
He'll have a new voice on the touchline for it. Earl "Ball Hog" Jean, Saint Lucia's record scorer-turned-coach, joined Latchoo's backroom staff this week, his first involvement with the senior setup since his playing career.
Saint Lucia return to the same ground three days later, on Monday, to play Bermuda. Whatever happens against Barbados today, that fixture arrives regardless.