The future of American soccer is putting on a clinic in the Caribbean. On Saturday night, the U.S. Under-17 Men’s National Team delivered a statement performance at Arnos Vale Stadium, dismantling St. Kitts and Nevis 10-0. The victory wasn’t just about the lopsided scoreline; it was a showcase for the next generation of elite talent, headlined by a record-shattering performance from Philadelphia Union II standout Malik Jakupovic.
With the win, the U.S. remains perfect in Group E of the 2026 Concacaf U-17 Qualifiers. The equation for head coach Alex Aldaz’s squad is now simple: a win or a draw in their final group match on Tuesday, February 10, will officially punch their ticket to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar this fall. For Atlanta-based fans and youth soccer parents, this dominant run provides a thrilling preview of the talent depth we expect to see when the senior World Cup arrives in Georgia next summer.
Malik Jakupovic: A Five-Goal Masterclass
The night belonged to Malik Jakupovic. The Union forward, who led all 2009-born players in goals during the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season, proved exactly why he is considered one of the top prospects in the domestic pipeline. Jakupovic opened the floodgates in the 7th minute and never looked back, securing a first-half hat-trick before adding two more in the second half to finish with five goals and an assist.
Jakupovic’s “clinical” nature in front of goal was perfectly complemented by Mattheo Dimareli (Houston Dynamo FC), who bagged a brace of his own. The U.S. outshot their opponents 41-1, maintaining a staggering 78 percent of possession. This level of dominance is a testament to the “U.S. Way” philosophy being implemented across the youth national teams, emphasizing proactive, high-pressing soccer.
Scoring Summary & Key Contributions:
- Malik Jakupovic (7′, 23′, 44′, 80′, 84′): The undisputed Man of the Match.
- Mattheo Dimareli (58′, 72′): A dynamic performance from the Dynamo midfielder.
- Vicente Garcia (36′): The 15-year-old LA Galaxy phenom cooly converted a penalty.
- Eddie Chadwick (69′) & Prince Forfor (90′): The defenders got in on the action to cap the double-digit win.
The Atlanta Connection: James Donaldson and the Academy Pipeline
While Jakupovic grabbed the headlines, local fans have a reason to keep a close eye on the roster. Atlanta United Academy goalkeeper James Donaldson is currently with the squad in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Although Matthew White earned the start against St. Kitts, Donaldson remains a key part of this cycle’s defensive unit.
The presence of players like Donaldson and the recently signed Elías Báez in the broader Atlanta United ecosystem highlights the club’s commitment to developing international-caliber talent. As the U.S. U-17s look toward Qatar, the integration of these “Homegrown” prospects into high-pressure qualifiers is exactly what is needed to sustain Georgia’s reputation as a premier soccer hub.
What This Means: The Road to Qatar
The U.S. currently sits atop Group E with six points and a massive +18 goal differential. However, the job isn’t finished.
- The Final Obstacle: The Dominican Republic also sits on six points after their own 10-0 win over St. Vincent. Because the U.S. holds a superior goal differential, they own the tiebreaker.
- The Stakes: Only the winner of Group E advances directly to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
- World Cup Prep: Qualifying early allows Coach Aldaz to begin specialized training camps and friendlies against European and South American powerhouses to prepare for the global stage in Qatar.
Next Steps: How to Watch the Decider
You won’t want to miss the final qualifying match as the U-17s look to secure their World Cup berth.
- Tune In: The USA vs. Dominican Republic match kicks off Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 1:00 PM ET.
- Broadcast: Watch live on FS2 or stream via the Fox Sports app.
- Follow Live: Get real-time updates and goal replays through the official U.S. Soccer App.
Is Malik Jakupovic the next great American striker? Who has been your standout player of the tournament so far? Share your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation on social media!
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.