Antigua and Barbuda national football team

Men's association football team From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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.[3] It has been a member of FIFA and CONCACAF since 1972. Regionally, it is a member of CFU in the Caribbean Zone.

NicknameThe Benna Boys
ConfederationCONCACAF (North America)
Sub-confederationCFU (Caribbean)
Quick facts Nickname, Association ...
Antigua and Barbuda
Shirt badge/Association crest
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 162 Steady (11 June 2026)[2]
Highest70 (October 2014)
Lowest170 (December 2003 – January 2004)
First international
British Leeward Islands 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)
Close

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.[4]

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.[5]

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.[6] 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.[citation needed]

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".[7] In the past, the national team was unofficially known as "the Wadadli Boys", another name that was in the contest but did not win.[8]

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.[citation needed]

More information Kit manufacturer, Time period ...
Kit manufacturer Time period
Admiral 1995–1999
Virma [it] 2000–2003
Adidas 2006–2011
Peak 2012–2016
Admiral 2016–2020
Joma 2021–present
Close

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

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

More information Name, Position ...
Name Position
Mexico Jacques Passy Head coach
Antigua and Barbuda Janiel Simon Manager
Antigua and Barbuda Lenny Hewlett Assistant coach
Antigua and Barbuda Schyan Jeffers Assistant coach
Spain Eduardo Suarez Assistant coach
Spain Juan Lecona Nava Goalkeeper coach
Antigua and Barbuda McClean Lawrence Physiotherapist
Antigua and Barbuda Danny Benjamin Equipment manager
Close

Manager history

Polish manager Piotr Nowak was at the helm of Antigua and Barbuda when they achieved their highest FIFA ranking (70) in October 2014.

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

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

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.[9]

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

More information No., Pos. ...
No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Jayden Martin (2002-11-07) 7 November 2002 (age 23) 1 0 Antigua and Barbuda Football Association All Saints United
18 1GK Zaieem Scott (2004-07-10) 10 July 2004 (age 21) 9 0 The Football Association Future Pro Academy
21 1GK Shahoi Dorsett (2004-06-23) 23 June 2004 (age 21) 2 0 Royal Spanish Football Federation CF Lorca Deportiva

2 2DF Zafique Drew (2003-08-30) 30 August 2003 (age 22) 13 0 Antigua and Barbuda Football Association All Saints United
5 2DF Kylano Isaac (2005-01-10) January 10, 2005 (age 21) 3 0 Polish Football Association Chojniczanka Chojnice
6 2DF Tyrik Hughes (2005-07-13) 13 July 2005 (age 20) 9 0 Royal Spanish Football Federation CF Lorca Deportiva
13 2DF Amir Daley (2002-02-26) February 26, 2002 (age 24) 3 0 United States Soccer Federation Birmingham Legion
14 2DF Jahzinho O'Garro (2002-12-12) 12 December 2002 (age 23) 4 0 Antigua and Barbuda Football Association All Saints United
17 2DF Leroy Graham (1999-12-07) December 7, 1999 (age 26) 15 0 Antigua and Barbuda Football Association All Saints United

8 3MF Sean Tomlinson (2004-03-25) 25 March 2004 (age 22) 5 0 Royal Spanish Football Federation CF Lorca Deportiva
9 3MF Dion Pereira (1999-03-25) 25 March 1999 (age 27) 10 1 The Football Association Crawley Town
10 3MF TJ Bramble (2001-05-09) 9 May 2001 (age 25) 21 2 The Football Association Maidstone United
11 3MF Quinton Griffith (1992-02-27) 27 February 1992 (age 34) 89 11 Antigua and Barbuda Football Association Grenades
12 3MF Shalon Knight (2000-03-04) 4 March 2000 (age 26) 7 0 Antigua and Barbuda Football Association All Saints United
20 3MF Dannen Francis (2004-12-14) 14 December 2004 (age 21) 3 0 Royal Spanish Football Federation CD Almuñécar City

7 4FW Raheem Deterville (1999-12-01) 1 December 1999 (age 26) 22 2 Antigua and Barbuda Football Association All Saints United
15 4FW Daryl Massicot (2005-02-12) 12 February 2005 (age 21) 8 0 Jamaica Football Federation Cavalier
19 4FW D'Andre Bishop (2002-10-02) 2 October 2002 (age 23) 29 3 Antigua and Barbuda Football Association All Saints United
23 4FW Karique Knight (2005-04-03) 3 April 2005 (age 21) 2 0 Antigua and Barbuda Football Association All Saints United
Close

Recent call-ups

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

More information Pos., Player ...
Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Taj Moore (2005-06-16) 16 June 2005 (age 21) 9 1 Canada Brock Badgers v.  Honduras, 10 June 2025

DF Luther James-Wildin (1997-12-03) 3 December 1997 (age 28) 4 0 England Stevenage v.  Honduras, 10 June 2025
DF Antonio Morgan (2006-03-29) 29 March 2006 (age 20) 8 0 England Lewes v.  Honduras, 10 June 2025

FW Drake Hadeed (2007-11-21) 21 November 2007 (age 18) 2 0 Spain Antequera v.  Honduras, 10 June 2025
Close

Player records

As of 18 November 2025[10]
Players in bold are still active with Antigua and Barbuda.
Peter Byers is Antigua and Barbuda's top goalscorer and most-capped player.

Most appearances

More information Rank, Player ...
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1Peter Byers91442004–2021
2Quinton Griffith89112009–present
3George Dublin6742000–2012
4Tamorley Thomas64122002–2021
5Karanja Mack5802006–2022
6Ranjae Christian5451998–2012
7Randolph Burton52152008–2016
Akeem Thomas5222008–2018
9Gayson Gregory4982000–2014
Molvin James4902007–2021
Close

Top goalscorers

More information Rank, Player ...
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1Peter Byers44910.482004–2021
2Derrick Edwards18220.821988–2000
3Randolph Burton15520.292008–2016
4Tamorley Thomas12640.192002–2021
5Quinton Griffith11890.112009–present
6Jamie Thomas10310.322006–2011
7Myles Weston9160.562014–2023
8Garfield Gonsalves8290.281992–2008
Kerry Skepple8340.242002–2012
Gayson Gregory8490.162000–2014
Close

Competitive record

FIFA World Cup

More information FIFA World Cup record, Qualification record ...
FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Squad Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1970Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
West Germany 1974Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 3 22
1978 and 1982Did not participate Did not participate
Mexico 1986Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 2 5
Italy 1990 2 0 0 2 1 4
United States 1994 4 1 1 2 5 6
France 1998 2 0 1 1 4 6
South Korea Japan 2002 6 1 2 3 4 15
Germany 2006 2 1 0 1 2 3
South Africa 2010 4 2 0 2 7 8
Brazil 2014 12 5 1 6 32 18
Russia 2018 4 2 0 2 6 6
Qatar 2022 4 2 1 1 6 5
Canada Mexico United States 2026 4 0 1 3 1 5
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total0/12 501572873103
Close

CONCACAF Gold Cup

More information CONCACAF Championship / Gold Cup record, Qualification record ...
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 1971Part of United Kingdom Part of United Kingdom
Haiti 1973Did not qualify 4 0 0 4 3 22
1977 and 1981Did not participate Did not participate
1985Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 2 5
1989 2 1 1 0 1 4
United States 1991Did not participate Did not participate
Mexico United States 1993Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 1 1
United States 1996 3 1 2 2 6 11
United States 1998 2 0 0 2 1 5
United States 2000 11 4 2 5 24 17
United States 2002 3 0 1 2 4 5
Mexico United States 2003 5 0 1 4 1 8
United States 2005 3 1 0 2 6 8
United States 2007 6 2 0 4 8 17
United States 2009 9 4 3 2 19 16
United States 2011 6 2 2 2 4 5
United States 2013 3 1 0 2 3 3
Canada United States 2015 9 4 2 3 14 11
United States 2017 6 3 0 3 10 8
Costa Rica Jamaica United States 2019 4 2 0 2 10 8
United States 2021 6 3 0 3 8 17
Canada United States 2023 7 3 0 4 5 12
Canada United States 2025 6 0 1 5 2 15
Total0/20 99331551132198
Close

CONCACAF Nations League

More information CONCACAF Nations League record, League phase ...
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 7th6303817Same position United States 2021Ineligible
2022–23 B A 8th630357Same position United States 2023
2023–24 B D 13th6114922Same position United States 2024
2024–25 B D 15th6015215Fall United States 2025
2026–27 CTo be determined 2027
Total2472152461 Total
Close
More information CONCACAF Nations League history, First match ...
Close

Caribbean Cup

More information CFU Championship / Caribbean Cup record, Qualification record ...
CFU Championship / Caribbean Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Trinidad and Tobago 1978 Fourth place4th511348 211030
Suriname 1979Did not qualify 200202
Puerto Rico 1981Did not participate Did not participate
French Guiana 1983 Fourth place4th72231110 4220105
Barbados 1985Did not qualify 210122
Martinique 1988 Runners-up2nd514054 211021
Barbados 1989Did not qualify 430142
Trinidad and Tobago 1990 301225
Jamaica 1991Did not participate Did not participate
Trinidad and Tobago 1992 Group stage7th3012212 330080
Jamaica 1993Did not qualify 210111
Trinidad and Tobago 1994 2101103
Cayman Islands Jamaica 1995 Group stage7th310238 202033
Trinidad and Tobago 1996Withdrew Withdrew
Antigua and Barbuda Saint Kitts and Nevis 1997 Group stage6th200215 Qualified as hosts
Jamaica Trinidad and Tobago 1998 Fourth place4th5203119 3210113
Trinidad and Tobago 1999Did not qualify 301225
Trinidad and Tobago 2001 301245
Barbados 2005 310268
Trinidad and Tobago 2007 6204817
Jamaica 2008 Group stage7th302136 64111610
Martinique 2010 Group stage5th310224 312021
Antigua and Barbuda 2012 Group stage8th310233 Qualified as hosts
Jamaica 2014 Group stage7th301227 6411124
Martinique 2017Did not qualify 6303108
TotalRunners-up11/2242911224776 6730142311685
Close

Central American and Caribbean Games

More information Central American and Caribbean Games record, Year ...
Central American and Caribbean Games record
Year Round Pos. Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1982Did not participate
Dominican Republic 1986 Quarter-finals5th201112
TotalQuarter-finals1/1201112
Close

Head-to-head record

The following table shows Antigua and Barbuda's all-time official international record per opponent:[11]
Updated to 18 November 2025 after the match against Guyana

Key

  Winning record   Equal record   Losing record

More information Opponent, Pld ...
Opponent Pld W D L GF GA
 Anguilla5500283
 Aruba6510114
 Bahamas3210123
 Barbados8116916
 Bermuda143561418
 British Virgin Islands84221410
 Cayman Islands301214
 Cuba8017419
 Curaçao4301106
 Dominica178542820
 Dominican Republic8125821
 El Salvador100103
 Estonia100101
 French Guiana110021
 Grenada6330137
 Guadeloupe7214412
 Guatemala8107331
 Guyana155371737
 Haiti122371119
 Honduras200203
 Hungary100103
 Jamaica12129529
 Martinique4103612
 Mexico100108
 Montserrat4310206
 Puerto Rico4103510
 Saint Kitts and Nevis239593031
 Saint Lucia145362318
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines137241720
 Sint Maarten320172
 Suriname6123415
 Trinidad and Tobago1320111241
 U.S. Virgin Islands5500261
 United States200225
Total2408343114342428
Close

Honours

Subregional

Friendly

References

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI