KINGSTON, Jamaica—The British High Commission in Jamaica, the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), and the High Commission of India in Jamaica have joined forces in support of the Unity Cup 2026, celebrating the power of football to bring communities together and highlighting the strong cultural and diaspora connections between the United Kingdom, Jamaica and India.

The Unity Cup, set to take place on May 26-30 at The Valley in Charlton, London, returns as a major celebration of international football and diaspora communities, this year bringing together Jamaica, India, Nigeria and Zimbabwe in a four-nation tournament.

Deputy British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Jonathan Cook, welcomed the return of the tournament and Jamaica’s participation yet again.

(L-R) Simon Preston-Press Officer, Jamaica Football Federation, Hansraj Chhilwar-Head of Chancery, High Commission of India, Jamaica, Avery Campbell-Marketing Manager, Jamaica Football Federation, Kaheim Dixon-Reggae Boyz Forward, Charlton Athletic FC and Jonathan Cook-Deputy British High Commissioner to Jamaica

“The UK is delighted to once again host the Unity Cup, bringing together football, friendship and diaspora communities. Jamaica and the UK share close ties, with Jamaica amongst the largest Caribbean diaspora communities in the UK. We know there will be incredible support for the Reggae Boyz in London. We’re wishing the team and the Jamaica Football Federation every success. Go Reggae Boyz,” said Cook.

Meanwhile, Hansraj Chhilwar, head of Chancery at the High Commission of India in Jamaica, highlighted sport’s role in building connections.

“We’re looking forward to the energy, passion and excitement that football fans will bring to the Unity Cup. While cricket is deeply loved in India, football too is growing with tremendous energy and momentum, especially among our youth. Sport is a powerful bridge between nations and communities, including the vibrant Indian communities in Jamaica and the UK. Wishing everyone a fantastic tournament. Go Indian Blue Tigers,” Chhilwar said.

(L-R) Avery Campbell-Marketing Manager, Jamaica Football Federation, Simon Preston-Press Officer, Jamaica Football Federation, Kaheim Dixon-Reggae Boyz Forward, Charlton Athletic FC, Hansraj Chhilwar-Head of Chancery, High Commission of India, Jamaica and Jonathan Cook-Deputy British High Commissioner to Jamaica

As for JFF President Michael Ricketts, he welcomed Jamaica’s participation and encouraged diaspora support.

“We are just excited at another opportunity to participate in the Unity Cup 2026. Last year we did so very well and that would have given us some kind of a catalyst, some kind of a vibe to again get involved in a competition that I thought was nicely organised and very well run,” Ricketts said.

“There are some interesting teams in this year’s addition, including Zimbabwe and India of course. That in itself is an added incentive to be very excited and to want to be part of this Unity Cup. So, I’m going to encourage all of the diaspora in South London and maybe even outside of South London to come out, give us some support, build a vibe and let’s support the other teams and of course give as much as we can to our Jamaican team generally the Unity Cup,” he said.

Adding to the excitement, Reggae Boyz forward Kaheim Dixon, who plays for Charlton Athletic FC- home of The Valley stadium, where the tournament will be played, is expecting a vibrant atmosphere.

“In Southeast London, where the Jamaicans are, it’s gonna be buzzing in The Valley. Winning the Unity Cup would be good for the country, and we as the players, you know the family that’s who we doing it for. London, we coming,” Dixon said.

Jamaica will face India in a highly anticipated semi-final clash before either side advances to face Nigeria or Zimbabwe in the finals. The tournament is being held in London, home to vibrant Jamaican, Indian and African diaspora communities and has become an important platform for celebrating shared heritage, sport and friendship.

As part of this year’s collaboration, the British High Commission, the High Commission of India and the Jamaica Football Federation partnered on a lively social media campaign featuring some representatives in a football-themed show of support for the teams and communities rallying behind the tournament.