A first-ever senior call-up was awarded to Rio Cardines, where he joined up with the Trinidad and Tobago senior side for the Unity Cup at Brentford's Gtech Community Stadium.
He made his senior debut for Trinidad and Tobago against Jamiaca, where he played the full match in a late 3-2 defeat. He almost scored directly from a free-kick to make it 2-2, though he struck the post and Kevin Molino converted the rebound.
The Soca Warriors unfortunately fell to a 4-0 defeat to Ghana in the third-place play-off, though Cardines was an unused substitute. He then continued to be a part of the Trinidad and Tobago side, ahead of their World Cup qualifiers against Saint Kitts and Nevis and Costa Rica.
He was unused substitute in their 6-2 win over Saint Kitts and Nevis, but he did start against Costa Rica. Cardines played through the entire first-half before being subbed off at half-time against the group leaders.
Cardines was also been named Dwight Yorke’s squad for the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he will face the United States (hosts), Haiti and Saudi Arabia. He came on in the 62nd minute against the United States, though Trinidad and Tobago fell to a 5-0 defeat.
The 18-year-old has previously featured for Trinidad & Tobago Under-20s ahead of their 2024 CONCACAF U20 Championship qualifiers. He scored once and registered three assists as the side finished second in their group.
