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Garcia eyes fitness, Spicer seeks breakthrough as Soca Warriors aim to strengthen World Cup bid

Trinidad and Tobago striker Levi Garcia says staying fit and healthy is his top priority as he looks to play a key role in the Soca Warriors' push toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while exciting young attacker Tyrese Spicer is also eager to make his mark.

Garcia and Spicer are expected to feature prominently when Trinidad and Tobago hosts St Kitts and Nevis in a crucial Group B World Cup qualifier at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Mucurapo on Friday at 7:30pm local time.

With four points from two matches, the Soca Warriors sit second in the group, two points behind Costa Rica, while St Kitts and Nevis sit fourth on three points. A win on home soil could all but guarantee Dwight Yorke’s men a spot in the final round of Concacaf qualifying. However, a win for the Sugar Boyz would shake things up.

For Garcia, the match presents a personal milestone, as it will be his first appearance for Trinidad and Tobago since June 2024 after recovering from an injury sustained in their 2-2 stalemate with Grenada (four points).

"I always try to add whatever I can. The experience I've gained at Spartak [Moscow] is helping me with performing in big games,” said Garcia, who has scored three goals for his Russian club since making the move in February.

"Hopefully, in this big game on Friday, once my body gives me the support, I can do what I have to do," he told journalists after a training session.

The 27-year-old, a fan favourite for both his skill and work rate, downplayed individual pressure, insisting that his focus is fully on contributing to a team effort.

Garcia also praised the energy surrounding the current squad, which features a fresh wave of talent, including CF Montreal’s Dante Sealy, who is in line for his debut.

"There are 11 players on the pitch. I believe the younger guys have something to prove, and I'm here to give what I can. It’s just good to be back," he shared.

"Having a legend like Yorke as coach is exciting for us. The plan and vision are to qualify for the World Cup, and based on what I've seen so far, I could see a step up from the players. You can feel that the goal and the drive is to qualify," Garcia noted.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old Spicer, who represents MLS outfit Toronto FC, is rapidly emerging as a dynamic option for the Soca Warriors. After starring in the team’s recent 6-1 aggregate victory over Cuba to secure a Gold Cup spot, Spicer is now eyeing his first international goal.

"I just want to contribute as much as I can in this game. I want to show my class and my instinct, as well as my speed, and score goals as well. I want that first goal for Trinidad and Tobago. But besides that, I just want to contribute to the team, hear what Dwight Yorke has to say, and go out there and do my best," Spicer said.

Spicer said his MLS experience is helping him mature quickly, both on and off the pitch.

"I think the MLS experience has helped me to mature. Especially getting used to the media and the spotlight. I know it's a lot of pressure, but being drafted number one overall is a lot. I think I dealt with that pressure well, and I think it helps me build my character," he stated.

Spicer also highlighted the boost the team is getting from fellow MLS players Sealy and Colorado Rapids’ Wayne Frederick II.

"I think this is a big stepping stone for myself and the team. I think the World Cup is a big goal, as Dwight Yorke emphasises...I want to prove to the country that we can do this and we could still execute. Players like Dante Sealy bring dynamism and freshness to the midfield," Spicer said.