The Dominican Republic’s Under-17 national football team delivered a commanding performance in their opening match of the 2026 CONCACAF Qualifiers, securing an emphatic 5-0 victory against Saint Kitts and Nevis at Arnos Vale Grounds. The match marked the beginning of Group E competition, which also includes the United States and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The Dominican squad established early dominance with Kamil Castillo breaking through in the 15th minute. Luis Almonte doubled the advantage just before halftime, scoring during stoppage time (45+2) to create a 2-0 lead at the break. The second half witnessed continued offensive pressure as Justin Gomez netted the third goal in the 67th minute, effectively sealing the outcome. The victory was punctuated by late strikes from Miguel Munoz (90+2) and Alejandro Lopez (90+7), completing the comprehensive defeat of their Caribbean rivals.
This qualifying tournament serves as the regional pathway to the 2026 FIFA Under-17 World Cup, employing a single-round format introduced in the 2025 edition. Thirty-four national teams participate across eight groups, with each group winner earning advancement to the global championship. The competition continues with subsequent matches scheduled throughout the weekend and into early next week, determining which nations will represent the CONCACAF region on the world stage.