KINGSTON, Jamaica- As football fans across the Caribbean remain glued to the FIFA World Cup, another global tournament is preparing to place Jamaica firmly on the international stage.

The World Draughts Federation (FMJD) 9‑Star International 10×10 Draughts World Cup will be hosted in the Caribbean from September 10–17, 2026, and the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA) is gearing up for its most ambitious international showing yet.

Played on a demanding 100‑square board with 20 pieces per side, 10×10 draughts is considered the pinnacle of calculation, stamina, and long‑range strategy. For Jamaica, it marks the next major frontier.

The FMJD‑rated event is a crucial step as Jamaica works to secure official world ratings and title norms, following its historic attainment of provisional FMJD membership under the leadership of JDA president, Deputy Superintendent Jermaine Delattibudiere.

The objective is straightforward: establish Jamaica as a recognised force in a tournament with significant global prestige.

Signs of progress are already emerging.

Earlier this year, Delattibudiere became the first Jamaican to compete in the Blitz section of the 2026 Pan‑American 10×10 Championships in Suriname, finishing ahead of players from countries with decades of experience in the discipline.

More recently, he held Suriname’s Federation Master, Marcel ‘Osie’ Oostburg, to a draw in Kingston.

“Jamaica has long dominated 8×8 draughts — Jamaican, Pool Checkers, Brazilian, and Russian — but the 100‑square board is our new challenge,” Delattibudiere said. “This is not just about medals. It’s about building experience ahead of the JDA’s National 10×10 Championships in November and the National Draughts Championships in December.”