After a 0-0 draw against Curaçao
©IMAGO
After the 0-0 draw against the island state of Curaçao, Jamaica has to worry about its ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. This has consequences because coach Steve McClaren resigned immediately after the game. “Leadership is a job and I think the best thing I can do is step down. They will succeed in March. Thank you Jamaica, it was an honor, love to you all,” the 64-year-old said at the post-match press conference.
McClaren took over as coach in Jamaica in July 2024 and was expected to lead the nation to the 2026 World Cup. The Reggae Boys lost the chance of direct qualification against Curaçao and have to go to the playoffs in March. The semi-finals will be against Bolivia, New Caledonia or Suriname, and Iraq or DR Congo will be waiting in the final. For Jamaica, which has some professionals from England in its squad, including Ethan Pinnock and Rico Henry, it would be the second World Cup participation after 1998.
“Tonight we did not achieve our goal of qualifying. It is the responsibility of the coach, that is me, to step up, take responsibility and make decisions in the best interests of the team. After careful consideration and an honest assessment of our current situation and the goals we need to achieve, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Jamaica national team,” McClaren said. “I have no doubt that this team will be successful in March. I think I can best serve this team by stepping away and letting someone else take charge who I know will lead this team to success in March. There is so much talent on this island, things are evolving. They will be successful.”