As Grenada’s Senior Men’s National Team prepares to step onto the field in the FIFA Series 2026 in Rwanda, a wave of anticipation is sweeping across the nation ahead of what is shaping up to be one of the most defining chapters in Grenadian football history.
With their opening fixture set for Friday, 27 March against hosts Rwanda, Team Grenada is not only venturing onto African soil for the first time, but also entering a new landscape of international visibility, challenge, and opportunity.
A squad blending experience and opportunity
Head Coach Anthony Modeste of the Grenada Football Association (GFA) has assembled a squad that balances proven experience with emerging potential, carefully blending established internationals with promising domestic talent.
Key recalls include forward Lucas Akins, bringing valuable experience from England, and defender Greg Sandiford, whose time within the UK football system adds composure and leadership to the defensive line. Also featuring is US-based defender Jabari De Coteau, recently drafted into Major League Soccer (MLS) by the Colorado Rapids, further strengthening the squad’s international profile.
Alongside these seasoned names, the selection reflects a clear developmental intent. The inclusion of Narshon Sylvester, a standout performer from the recent Concacaf U20 competition, signals a deliberate step toward integrating rising talent into the senior setup.
Spotlight on emerging talent
One of the most compelling narratives within the squad is the rise of 17-year-old forward Raheem Raeburn, widely regarded as one of Grenada’s most promising attacking prospects.
Still in his teenage years, Raeburn has already made a striking impact at local level, earning attention after an extraordinary 51-goal campaign in a national youth tournament. His rise has continued at senior domestic level, where his sharp attacking instincts quickly set him apart as one of the most dangerous forwards in the domestic game. He was also named the most outstanding player in the recent Secondary School Football Competition. His journey from grassroots football in St Patrick to a senior national call-up mirrors the development pathway the GFA is actively working to strengthen—one designed to identify, nurture, and elevate homegrown talent onto the international stage.
Joining him is 20-year-old forward Vijay Valcin, another emerging attacker progressing through the national system. Already gaining senior team experience, Valcin is preparing for the next step in his career as he transitions into US college football later this year. Together with Sylvester and Raeburn, they represent a new generation of Grenadian footballers—players shaped locally, yet increasingly positioned for international pathways through education and sport.
A platform for local talent
A defining feature of this squad is its strong domestic foundation, with players drawn from clubs across Grenada, Carriacou, and Petite Martinique. The roster includes representation from sides such as Paradise FC, FC Camerhogne, St David FC, Hurricane SC, North Stars SC (Grenada), Queen’s Park Rangers FC (Grenada), and St John’s Sports.
This composition reflects the GFA’s wider objective: not only to compete internationally, but to open meaningful doors for local players to experience football at a higher intensity and standard. For many in the squad, the FIFA Series represents a rare and invaluable chance to face unfamiliar styles and elite-level opposition not regularly encountered in their domestic competitions.
President of the GFA, Marlon Glean, described the moment as a step forward in the country’s football journey. “This moment represents more than participation for Grenada; it represents progress. We have been intentional about creating opportunities for our players to compete beyond our region, and the FIFA Series provides a platform for both our experienced internationals and emerging local talent to showcase their quality on the world stage. What is especially important is that many of these players come from our domestic system, which reinforces our belief that with the right structure and exposure, Grenadian football can continue to grow and compete at higher levels.”
More than just matches
Grenada’s involvement in the FIFA Series extends beyond the final scorelines. It forms part of a broader strategic push to embed the nation more firmly within the global football ecosystem.
The tournament offers:
International exposure for players
High-level competitive experience
Technical and tactical learning opportunities
Increased visibility for scouting and progression
For a country rich in footballing potential, such exposure represents a critical development bridge.
Building for the future
From goalkeeper Trishawn Thomas, to defenders such as Benjamin Ettienne and Jabari De Coteau, to attacking options including Lucas Akins, Darius Johnson, and Jermaine Francis, the squad reflects both depth and ambition across all lines.
Behind the team stands a structured technical framework led by Head Coach Anthony Modeste, supported by coaching, medical, and administrative staff—an indicator of the growing professionalism within the national programme.
A nation behind its team
As kickoff approaches, the significance of the moment extends far beyond the pitch. This is a team carrying both experience and youth, history and aspiration. From established professionals to rising talents like Raeburn and Valcin, Grenada’s squad embodies the country’s present reality and its future ambition.
In Rwanda, they will not simply compete—they will represent, learn, and project Grenada onto a wider global stage.
Looking ahead, Team Grenada will next turn its attention to another major test, facing the Republic of Ireland, ranked 59th in the FIFA World Rankings, in an international friendly in Murcia, Spain on 16 May 2026.