Former Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has expressed full confidence in Dwight Yorke and his coaching staff, as he believes they have what it takes to guide the Soca Warriors to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Hislop, a key member of the Twin Island Republic’s historic 2006 World Cup squad, said he expects Yorke, alongside assistant coach Russell Latapy, to deliver positive results and secure qualification for the tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

“Yes, of course, it adds pressure in terms of what’s the expectation, but I will say no, in that I don’t think Dwight took this job for any other reason but to qualify for the World Cup,” Hislop said during an interview on I95.5 FM on Thursday.

“He will be as disappointed as anybody if Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, so while there is pressure, I don’t think it’s any more than Dwight would have already had on himself,” he added.

Yorke was appointed head coach late last year and quickly brought Latapy on board as part of his technical team. With the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) making it clear that failure to qualify could cost Yorke his job, the former Manchester United striker faces a high-stakes challenge.

While Yorke is yet to secure a win in his tenure, Hislop—who also played in the English Premier League and is now an ESPN commentator—believes Yorke would not have taken the role if he didn’t feel he could be successful. He also sees Latapy as the perfect complement to Yorke in his current role.

“His [Latapy] football intellect—we saw that in him as a player. Now maybe it didn’t translate as a head coach, but as an assistant, I think he complements Dwight’s skill set wonderfully well. I think the pairing of those two will do wonders for our football, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come,” Hislop noted.