KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Unity Cup has reportedly been confirmed as a FIFA Tier 1 event, days before the four-team tournament involving Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz is set to kick off in London.

According to online publication Punch,  the designation ensures that “all participating fixtures carry full international recognition under FIFA regulations”.

The tournament is set to start on Tuesday with the final set for Saturday, May 30, at Charlton Athletic’s ground.

It features Nigeria, Jamaica, India and Zimbabwe.

Nigeria face Zimbabwe in the opening semi-final on May 26, followed by Jamaica against India on May 27, with the third-place play-off and final both taking place on May 30.

Despite the designation, according to the publication, “appearances in the Unity Cup will not count as official international caps because the competition falls outside the recognised FIFA international calendar, which opens from June 1.”

This will be Jamaica’s third appearance in the competition, losing in the final to Nigeria on both previous occasions including 2025, when they were beaten on penalties after the game ended in a 2-2 draw.

The English-based members of the Jamaican team started arriving at the camp on Sunday, and the Jamaican-based players are expected to arrive Monday.

-Paul A Reid