University student called up for Concacaf Nations League

University of Gloucestershire student Jahziah Johnson has earned another international call-up after being selected to represent the Cayman Islands in the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League.

Jahziah, who is studying BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Sciences at the University, has joined the Cayman Islands squad for the opening fixtures of their Nations League campaign.

The midfielder was previously selected to represent the Cayman Islands in qualifying matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including fixtures against Bermuda and Cuba, while combining international football with his studies at the University.

His latest call-up will see the Cayman Islands compete in League B of the Concacaf Nations League, which brings together national teams from across North America, Central America and the Caribbean.

The Cayman Islands have been drawn in Group A alongside Guyana, Puerto Rico and Dominica. They begin their campaign against Dominica on Friday 25 September, before facing Guyana on Sunday 27 September. Further group fixtures will follow in October and November, with each team playing six matches in total.

The group winners will progress to the new League B Championship, with promotion to League A and qualification opportunities for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup also at stake.

Jahziah said: “It’s always a huge honour to be selected to represent the Cayman Islands and I’m really excited to join up with the squad again for the Nations League.

“Playing international football alongside my degree can be demanding, but the support I receive from the University really helps me to balance the two. I’m looking forward to the games and hopefully playing my part in a successful campaign.”

Jahziah is a student at University of Gloucestershire as part of its scheme with University Degrees Abroad (UDA). This partnership enables international students to develop as footballers while studying a degree of their choice, with academy and degree programmes integrated and aligned to support sporting and academic achievement.

Daniel Cowen, Academic Course Leader for Sport and Exercise Sciences at University of Gloucestershire, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see Jahziah selected to represent the Cayman Islands once again.

“Competing at international level while successfully continuing his studies requires a huge amount of commitment and dedication. It is fantastic to see Jahziah continuing to develop as both a student and an athlete, and everyone at the University wishes him and his team-mates every success in the Nations League.”