Steve McClaren Quits as Reggae Boyz Head Coach After World Cup Setback — Jamaica Turns Focus to 2026 Play-Off Lifeline

Jamaica’s 2026 World Cup hopes were thrown into turmoil on Tuesday night after head coach Steve McClaren resigned on the spot following the Reggae Boyz’ 0–0 draw with Curaçao at the National Stadium. The result cost Jamaica an automatic spot at the World Cup, leaving them second in Group B on 11 points — one short of Curaçao, who sealed qualification with 12. Speaking after the match, Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts confirmed McClaren’s immediate departure and announced that the search for a new coach will begin at once.

The scoreless stalemate marked a painful end to Jamaica’s automatic qualifying campaign — a run that showed flashes of promise but ultimately lacked the cutting edge needed in decisive moments. The pressure intensified after Curaçao delivered a near-flawless run in the group, leaving the Reggae Boyz forced to settle for the long road. Still, hope remains. Jamaica advances to the intercontinental play-offs set for March 2026, joining Suriname as CONCACAF’s top two second-place finishers.

That play-off bracket, however, won’t be easy. Jamaica is now set to face a global mix of challengers, including Bolivia, DR Congo, New Caledonia, Iraq, and Suriname — all hungry for a last-minute ticket to the expanded World Cup. The JFF’s next coaching appointment will be crucial, with the incoming leader needing to quickly stabilise morale, rebuild tactical cohesion, and reignite belief across the squad.

For fans, the disappointment is real — but so is the opportunity. The Reggae Boyz remain just two matches away from rewriting the narrative and booking their return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1998. As the countdown to March begins, Jamaica’s next move could determine whether the dream lives on or slips away again.

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