Five Inter Miami CF Academy players represented their countries at the 2026 Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers, striving to secure spots at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar this November. The tournament, spanning nine days, showcased the skill and determination of the Inter Miami CF Academy players as they competed on an international stage.
Leandro Padilla’s Key Role in Honduras’ World Cup Qualification
Midfielder Leandro Padilla played a crucial role in Honduras‘ successful effort to qualify for the upcoming FIFA U-17 World Cup. He was on the field for the entire duration of Hondurasā important 4-2 triumph over Guyana and also helped maintain a clean sheet during a 2-0 win against Bermuda, sealing the teamās passage to Qatar.
Ā”Abran paso que llega Honduras! 🎊 pic.twitter.com/ANliIdKnrP
ā Concacaf (@Concacaf)
Kai Williamson Contributes to Jamaica’s Strong Qualifier Performance
Jamaican winger Kai Williamson appeared in all three of his teamās matches to help secure Jamaicaās place at the World Cup. Williamson entered as a substitute at halftime in a 3-0 victory over Aruba, started the first half in a dominant 12-0 win against the Cayman Islands, and was brought on in the 80th minute during a decisive 3-1 win over Canada, which earned Jamaica the top spot in their group.
Party time, Reggae Boyz! 🎉🧡 pic.twitter.com/Sgzs7H2PHM
ā Concacaf (@Concacaf)
Strong Defensive Contributions by Gabriel Florentino with Dominican Republic
Defender Gabriel Florentino was an integral part of the Dominican Republicās campaign, which narrowly missed first place after drawing level on points with the United States. Florentino completed the entire 90 minutes in a 5-0 victory over Saint Kitts and Nevis, played 61 minutes in a 10-0 rout of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and contributed 89 minutes in a critical 1-1 draw with the United States.
Goalkeeper Levi Williams Helps Trinidad and Tobago Secure Group Victory
Levi Williams, playing as goalkeeper for Trinidad and Tobago, participated in three group stage matches. He kept clean sheets against Saint Martin and Sint Maarten and also played in a competitive 2-1 win over Mexico. His performances helped Trinidad and Tobago finish at the top of their group heading into the next stage.
Luis Moringlane’s Efforts with Puerto Rico Fall Just Short of Qualification
Luis Moringlane and Puerto Rico finished their qualifying campaign tied on points with Costa Rica but ultimately fell short on goal difference. Moringlane played the full 90 minutes and scored during Puerto Ricoās overwhelming 12-0 victory against the British Virgin Islands. After sitting out the match against Turks and Caicos, he returned to play 94 minutes in the vital group clash with Costa Rica, helping secure a clean sheet.
Implications of Performances and Future Outlook
The contributions from Inter Miami CF Academy players across multiple national teams highlight the rising talent within the clubās development system. With two players directly helping their countries secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup and others delivering strong performances, the Academyās influence continues to grow internationally. These experiences are likely to accelerate their development and increase their visibility ahead of the global tournament in Qatar later this year.
Ā”Abran paso que llega Honduras! š pic.twitter.com/ANliIdKnrP
— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 12, 2026
Party time, Reggae Boyz! šµļøš pic.twitter.com/Sgzs7H2PHM
— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 11, 2026
