Zeiko Lewis and Deniche Hill have identified support from Bermudians as a key component for the team’s success in the upcoming final round of 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers.

Lewis and Hill were part of Michael Findlay’s side that defeated Cuba 2-1 away on Tuesday to progress to the third round of the qualification process. Six matches are in store for the Gombey Warriors in the autumn as they seek the island’s first appearance at the biggest football tournament in the world.

“The most important thing for us is to have the support of the entire country,” Lewis told The Royal Gazette.

“Everybody’s always got stuff to say on the island. So whenever we do have something positive, it’s always nice to have people surrounding us and giving us some encouragement to move forward.

“Next is for us to stay focused and make sure that we’re doing what we need in order to be ready for the upcoming matches.”

Hill, who played 90 minutes against Cuba, implored Bermudians to adopt a positive mindset in light of the team’s latest achievement.

“We need support from the country,” the 21-year-old said.

“A lot of negative things are happening in the country at the moment. I feel like when the country does have positive moments, it’s important that we emphasise them.

“The main thing is support from our family, friends and the rest of the country, making sure that we're all mentally and physically prepared.

“I’m sure the coaching staff and everyone will make sure that we have everything in place to succeed. We just have to see what happens, hopefully, we can reach our end goal, which is the World Cup.”

Speaking about qualification to the third round, Lewis insisted that they were not there to make up the numbers.

“We are all excited but we know that we still have a bit more to do,” the forward said.

“We’re not content with just getting there, we didn’t get here just to say we participated.

“Now we’re getting to the next round, it’s all about doing everything we need to make it to the World Cup for the first time.”

For Hill, it was a collective effort from everyone involved to secure progression to the next round.

“It’s an exciting feeling to qualify for the final round,” he said.

“I think all the boys contributed, to the staff and all the players that didn’t come on. We all had a part to play.

“Now it’s about recognising where we are and working towards the next goal. We have to take it game by game, step by step, and make sure we’re ready for the next round. All the boys just want to enjoy the moment for now, but also remain humble.

“It’s always tough to play away in such a hostile environment, especially when both teams need results to go their way. I think the boys showed grit and determination when it came down to the final minutes, I think that’s what got us over the line.”

Hill made a return to the side in the 5-0 triumph over Cayman Islands having last played in September 2023. The utility player, who was deployed at left back by Findlay in both matches, addressed his future availability.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to the coaching staff what decisions they make,” the Leicester Under-21 player said.

“But I’m always going to give my best so that I’m involved. It’s always an honour to play for my country. To come back, get two good results and make it to the next round, it’s something to be proud of, not just for me but the team, staff and whole country.

“Hopefully, in future where we're going we can keep on building and getting positive results.”

Lewis, who scored two goals and picked up one assist in the four matches, was given the leadership responsibility against Cuba. When he was replaced by Sachiel Ming in the 77th minute, he handed the armband to 20-year-old Harry Twite.

“It’s always an honour to want to put the jersey on,” the 31-year-old said.

“But to also lead the country is another thing too. It was a lot of responsibility but when you've got a full team and supporters behind you, it just makes it a lot easier.”

Findlay spoke about the reason for assigning the captaincy role to Lewis then later Twite.

“We have a leadership group in the team,” the coach said.

“We have always said that we cannot have one person lead the team. The world is demanding, so we would like to have a group of players that are involved with that.

“Against Cuba, we felt that Zeiko’s influence from previous experiences would help. When Zeiko came off, he handed it off to Harry Twite, who is one of our bright young stars and certainly a future leader.

“I’m pleased to see the team leadership being shared around. You need 23 leaders in international football; you can’t have just one person.”