Jamaica manager McClaren resigns after team misses direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup

Steve McClaren resigned as Jamaica head coach after a goalless draw against Curacao on Tuesday, dealing a blow to their hopes of qualifying for next year’s World Cup in North America.

Jamaica needed a win to qualify but hit three times in the second half as Curacao held on to the draw and became the smallest country ever to clinch a place in the World Cup final.

Former England coach McClaren’s side finished second in Group B of CONCACAF qualifying despite being the favorites to qualify.

The country can still make it to the 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US, but will have to go through an inter-confederation play-off tournament in March, where it will face the likes of Iraq and DR Congo.

READ ALSO: Curaçao becomes the smallest country to qualify for the Football World Cup

«Managing this team has been one of the greatest honors of my career. But football is a results business and tonight we failed in our goal, which was to qualify from this group,» McClaren told reporters.

“It is the responsibility of the leader to step up, take responsibility and make decisions in the best interests of the team. After deep reflection and an honest assessment of where we are and where we need to go, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Jamaican national team.

“Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is recognize when a fresh voice, new energy and a different perspective are needed to move this team forward.” McClaren, who coached England between 2007 and 2008 and was sacked after they failed to qualify for the 2008 European Championship, took charge of Jamaica in July 2024.

The 64-year-old oversaw 24 matches, winning 13 and losing six.

Published on November 19, 2025