Verdes FC – Photo Credit: Verdes FC
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Long before regional tournaments gained their present prestige, Verdes FC were already charting uncharted territory for Belizean football. Founded in 1976 as Real Verdes Football Club, the Cayo-based side has forged a reputation as the country’s most consistent and decorated institution — and its foremost representative on the international stage.
Early Forays into Concacaf
Verdes first stepped onto the continental scene in 1985, becoming the first Belizean club to compete in the Concacaf Champions’ Cup. While those early appearances were modest in impact, they laid the foundation for Belize’s footballing presence at a time when infrastructure and investment were limited.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Verdes featured regularly in the UNCAF Club Championship, gaining valuable experience against Central American powerhouses. Though wins were scarce, their persistence earned respect.
Champions League & the Modern Era
In the post-UNCAF Club Championship period, Verdes entered the Concacaf Champions League — including a notable appearance in 2008 where they faced Mexican giants Cruz Azul in the preliminary round. Despite defeat, the occasion marked a landmark moment for the club.
Their most commendable group-stage campaign came in 2015, when Verdes secured four points, including a draw against Querétaro and a celebrated 2–1 victory over San Francisco FC of Panama — still hailed as one of Belize’s finest international club results.
Verdes of yesteryear – Photo Credit: Verdes FC
Historic Knockout Achievement
Verdes continued their continental pursuit through the Concacaf League, returning in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Pandemic-related disruptions affected their 2020 run, but in 2022, they made history by becoming the first Belizean club to win a competitive knockout tie — advancing past Platense of El Salvador on away goals.
That triumph qualified them for the Round of 16, marking Belize’s deepest progression in any Concacaf club competition.
Central American Cup Era
With the launch of the Concacaf Central American Cup in 2023, Verdes embraced the new format. Drawn into a group with Motagua, Alajuelense, Sporting San Miguelito, and Olancho, they placed third — demonstrating growth but missing out on the knockouts.
Now in 2025, Verdes return to the fray in Group C, once again facing Motagua, alongside Costa Rican giants Saprissa and Cartaginés, and Panamanian contenders CA Independiente. With increased experience and tactical maturity, the Green Machine hope to break into the knockout rounds for the first time in this tournament.
Verdes FC’s story is not just one of match results — it’s a reflection of tenacity, national pride and long-term vision.
