PHOTOS: Ten-man Aruba outlast Liechtenstein to win Kigali FIFA Series 2026

Aruba delivered a convincing 4–1 win over Liechtenstein on Sunday evening at Kigali Pelé Stadium, capping an impressive Group B campaign at the FIFA Series 2026.

Coming into the match ranked 191st in the latest FIFA world rankings, Aruba showed clear attacking intent from the start against Liechtenstein, who sit lower at 205th.

The Caribbean side wasted little time asserting dominance, opening the scoring in the 18th minute through Jaybriën Romano, who finished off a well-worked move assisted by Gello Robertha.

Just seven minutes later, Robertha turned from provider to scorer, doubling Aruba’s lead with a composed finish to give his side a 2–0 cushion heading into halftime.

Aruba’s control of the game was evident not only in their attacking efficiency but also in their ability to dictate tempo in midfield.

Their tactical 3-4-3 formation allowed them to stretch Liechtenstein’s defense, creating space that proved difficult for the European side to manage.

Liechtenstein responded after the break with renewed energy, pulling one goal back in the 53rd minute through Emanuel Zünd, assisted by Fabio Luque Notaro.

The goal briefly sparked hope for a comeback, but Aruba quickly regained control.

Substitute Rainey Breinburg restored the two-goal advantage in the 69th minute, capitalizing on defensive lapses to make it 3–1.

The match was effectively sealed in stoppage time when Liechtenstein’s Jens Hofer inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, capping off a difficult evening for his side.

This result highlights Aruba’s positive trajectory in the FIFA Series, where they have now secured back-to-back wins in Kigali, including a 4–1 victory over Macao earlier in the tournament.

Their attacking output—eight goals in two matches—suggests growing confidence and cohesion within the squad.

For Liechtenstein, the tournament has exposed ongoing struggles despite a recent win over Tanzania prior to arriving in Kigali.

Defensive vulnerabilities and inconsistency remain key concerns as they look to rebuild and improve their standing in future international fixtures.

The FIFA Series 2026 has provided both teams with valuable competitive exposure against similarly ranked opponents.

As the tournament concludes in Kigali, both sides leave with important lessons—Aruba with optimism and upward momentum, and Liechtenstein with a clearer understanding of the challenges ahead on the international stage.

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