McClaren quits as head coach

In a surprise move last night Steve McClaren resigned as head coach of the Reggae Boyz following Jamaica's failure to automatically qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jamaica and Curacao played to a scoreless draw at the National Stadium.

Speaking with the media following the game, Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) president Michael Ricketts stated that McClaren resigned with immediate effect.

Ricketts said the JFF will now begin its search for a new head coach ahead of the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026.

Jamaica needed to win last night to advance to the World Cup.

Curacao clinched the qualifying spot as they finished atop Group B with 12 points, as Jamaica finished second with 11.

The Reggae Boyz will have a second shot at qualifying for the World Cup as they advance to the intercontinental play-offs as one of the top two second-place teams from the region.

Jamaica will be joined by Suriname in the playoffs, alongside Bolivia, DR Congo, New Caledonia, and Iraq.