Lucas Gallego ’28 Heads to Guatemala with Belize U-17 National Team for World Cup Qualifiers

Saint Andrew’s School's Lucas Gallego ’28 is once again taking his game to the international stage after earning a call-up to the Belize U-17 National Team for the upcoming CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers in Guatemala.

The Belize U-17 team will compete from February 2-12, facing El Salvador, Curaçao, and Cuba in group play. The group winner advances in the qualification process for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, a global tournament featuring the top teams from around the world.

A goalkeeper for both Saint Andrew’s varsity soccer and the Belize national youth team, Lucas has been involved with the program for about three years, participating in tournaments and training opportunities while balancing his academic responsibilities in Florida. Because of school commitments, he primarily joins the team for tournaments, arriving early to train before competition begins. This event marks his third tournament with the national side.

Though Lucas has lived in Florida his entire life, his connection to Belize runs deep through family ties. The Belize U-17 roster reflects the country’s global community, with players traveling in from the United States and even England, all connected through Belizean heritage.

For Lucas, the opportunity represents more than just competition.

“It’s just incredible,” he shared. “Playing from high school to playing against some of the best kids in the world, against countries, in places I’ve never been, it really shows me how much soccer there is out there in the world.”

International play is already familiar territory. Through previous competitions, Lucas has traveled to Guatemala, Mexico, Trinidad, and Honduras. All these experiences have broadened both his perspective and his game.

Back on campus, Lucas’ Saint Andrew’s teammates are fully behind him. He says his friends are supportive and excited to follow his journey as he represents Belize on an international stage. 

Saint Andrew’s is proud to celebrate Lucas’ achievement and wishes him the best as he competes on the road to the U-17 World Cup.