Puerto Rico on the attack against the Virgin Islands (yellow) in their opening game of Group D at the 2026 CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Football Qualifiers in Costa Rica on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Photo: YouTube

The Virgin Islands players and staff prior to their departure for the 2026 CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Football Qualifiers in Costa Rica. Photo: BVIFA

The Virgin Islands is in a tough group, Group D, which also includes Puerto Rico, Costa Rica and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Photo: CONCACAF

The Virgin Islands fell to Puerto Rico 12-nil and ended with 10 men after their goalkeeper, Morris Mark, was sent off for dangerous play in the 67th minute.

Diego Echevarria led the way for Puerto Rico with a hat trick, accompanied by a brace from Dacian Delgado, in the first ten minutes of the match. Lucas Hernández also contributed with a pair of goals himself in the 59’ and 60’. 

Puerto Rico had eight different scorers in the shutout and netted six goals in each half.

The Virgin Islands, which conceded 3 penalties, will now play Costa Rica from 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 7, 2026.

See previous article published February 5, 2026

VI & PR clash in 2026 CONCACAF U-17 Football Qualifiers today

In less than an hour, the Virgin Islands will get into action against Puerto Rico to open Group D play at the 2026 CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Football Qualifiers in Costa Rica.

When the two teams square off at FCRF Field #2 at 1:00 PM in Alajuela, it will mark the first time they meet in the CONCACAF Under-17 Qualifiers. 

Puerto Rico are 1-1 all-time in opening matchdays against Caribbean teams. 

The Virgin Islands won their previous opening match against a Caribbean side, a 4-nil victory over Sint Maarten in 2025. 

The VI are in a tough group, which also includes Costa Rica and the Turks and Caicos Islands.