Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz begin their final round campaign in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers Friday with a clash against Bermuda at the Bermuda National Stadium in Hamilton, kicking off at 5:00 p.m. (Jamaica time).
Head coach Steve McClaren, though hit with a series of injuries to key players, has made it clear that his team is expected to “get the job done.” Jamaica, ranked well above their hosts, will be leaning on depth and spirit to secure three points in their opening Group B encounter.
“We know this is not going to be an easy game,” McClaren cautioned during Thursday’s pregame presser. “We’ve experienced these games where we’re expected to win, and we have to be professional, do our jobs, and make sure we match their spirit. That’s the only way we’ll get the win.”
A squad stretched thin
The Reggae Boyz will be without several stalwarts, including captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake, attacking star Leon Bailey, midfielder Bobby Reid, and defenders Di’Shon Bernard and Joel Latibeaudiere.
In addition, despite being named in the original squad, Demarai Gray, Ethan Pinnock, Dexter Lembikisa, and Amari’i Bell were all forced to withdraw. This left McClaren scrambling for reinforcements, calling in local Premier League talents Jamoi Topey and Kemar Foster from Mount Pleasant, along with Renaldo Webster of KF Shkëndija.
“It’s nearly a back four we’re missing,” McClaren admitted. “In midfield, we’ve also lost Reid, Gray, and Bailey. These are big players. But we’ve brought in young, hungry replacements. This will be a fantastic opportunity for them. At the end of the day, experience doesn’t matter—getting the result does.”
Bermuda’s growing ambition
While Jamaica carry the pedigree and higher ranking, Bermuda enter the contest with confidence and momentum. Ranked 162nd in the FIFA world standings, they recently climbed six places thanks to a convincing 5-0 win over Cayman Islands and a gritty 2-1 victory against Cuba in the previous round.
McClaren has been quick to acknowledge the hosts’ determination and organization. “Bermuda have done unbelievable to reach this stage. They have great spirit and deserve respect. I’ve told my players this is not going to be a routine game,” he emphasized.
Indeed, Bermuda have shown their fight against quality opposition. They led Honduras 2-0 at half-time before eventually losing 3-5, and they have been consistently competitive in recent outings.
History strongly favors Jamaica
The head-to-head record offers Jamaica reason for optimism. The two nations have faced off seven times across competitions, with the Reggae Boyz holding an unbeaten record: four wins and three draws.
Their most recent encounter came five years ago when Jamaica secured a 2-0 victory in Montego Bay thanks to goals from Jourdain Fletcher and Kemar Beckford. Going further back, in the 1994 World Cup Qualifiers, Jamaica defeated Bermuda at home before drawing the return leg away.
Key statistics underline Jamaica’s edge: Jamaica are on a five-game winning streak in World Cup qualifiers, with three clean sheets in that run.
Five of the seven meetings between the teams have produced less than three goals, suggesting tight contests.
Bermuda have lost just once in their last five qualifiers, often finding ways to stay competitive.
The stakes: Road to 2026
With only the group winners guaranteed a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Jamaica cannot afford early missteps. The two best runners-up from the three groups will still have a lifeline through intercontinental playoffs, but McClaren insists his team must treat every game as must-win.
“We’ve been preparing well. The players have been fantastic in training—young, enthusiastic, and eager to learn,” the coach said. “We just need to deliver on the pitch. Respect Bermuda, match their spirit, and then let our quality shine.”
Likely outcome
On paper, Jamaica remain clear favorites, even without their first-choice stars. Their superior depth, international experience, and historical dominance should carry them through. Yet, Bermuda’s resilience and home crowd could test the Boyz’ composure. If Jamaica impose themselves early, they should extend their unbeaten record—but any lapse in discipline could open the door to a shock result.
Jamaica will return home to face Trinidad and Tobago next Tuesday inside Kingston’s National Stadium at 7:00 p.m. (Jamaica time). Also on Friday, Trinidad and Tobago welcome Curacao to the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain for a 7:00 p.m. (8:00 p.m. Trinidad and Tobago time) encounter.
