The Reggae Boyz will welcome back several influential figures for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as head coach Steve McClaren named a 26-man squad aiming to extend Jamaica’s unbeaten start.
Captain Andre Blake, fresh off consecutive clean sheets for the Philadelphia Union, headlines the returning group after missing the September window through injury. The defense also regains vital steel with Ethan Pinnock, Amari’i Bell, and Joel Latibeaudiere all declared fit, fortifying a backline from the opening fixtures.
Up front, Demarai Gray returns in confident form after marking his comeback to Birmingham City with a goal late last month. However, Leon Bailey will sit out once again as he continues his recovery at AS Roma.
“Leon was desperate to come,” McClaren revealed. “But he’s just coming back from his injuries. He’s back on the grass with his team, and we feel it’s best he focuses on getting fit and into Roma’s line-up, so he’s ready for November.”
The roster also features Ian Fray, who had withdrawn from the last squad citing readiness concerns, and 17-year-old forward Seymour Reid, who has impressed for New York City FC in the MLS, recently netting his first senior goal in a 3-1 victory over Chicago Fire.
McClaren confident yet cautious ahead of Curacao test
With Jamaica sitting atop Group B after an unbeaten start—beating Bermuda 4-0 and Trinidad and Tobago 2-0—McClaren is intent on maintaining momentum heading into a pivotal away clash against Curacao on October 10, followed by the return leg against Bermuda at Kingston’s National Stadium on October 14.
“We had a good start,” McClaren said at Saturday’s press conference at the Jamaica Football Federation headquarters. “We need to continue the momentum. It will be a very difficult game, but our focus is purely on preparation and performance. We know what to expect.”
The English coach was quick to commend Curacao, who sit second in the group on four points, and their veteran Dutch tactician Dick Advocaat, whose influence has been evident.
“They have a very experienced coach in Dick Advocaat—I know him well from his time in England,” McClaren noted. “Curacao’s squad is full of Dutch-based players who are technically gifted. They play the Dutch way—organized, sharp, and disciplined—and playing at home on an artificial surface will certainly give them an advantage.”
Despite acknowledging the challenge, McClaren was resolute that the Boyz must travel with ambition, not excuses.
“We have no excuses,” he emphasized. “We need to defend very well, but when the opportunity comes, we must play our football. The goal is simple: get the points we need to stay in control of the group heading into November.”
New faces, old guard, shared ambition
The mix of experience and youth defines McClaren’s latest selection. Veterans like Blake, Pinnock, and Gray bring stability, while emerging names such as Karoy Anderson, Tyreece Campbell, and debutant Seymour Reid inject freshness.
That balance, McClaren believes, is essential for Jamaica’s long-term ambitions. “We’re building something,” he said. “The foundation is strong, but consistency and focus will determine how far we go. Every camp, every game, is part of that journey.”
The road ahead
Jamaica’s quest to reach their second-ever FIFA World Cup, after their historic 1998 debut, continues with growing belief. Two more victories in October would put McClaren’s side firmly in control of their qualifying group and strengthen their case as one of the Caribbean’s leading football powers.
As the Boyz prepare for their showdown at Curacao’s Ergilio Hato Stadium, then return home to a packed “Office” against Bermuda, McClaren’s message remains clear: focus, unity, and no complacency.
“We want to keep improving,” he concluded. “The performances have to match the ambition—and our ambition is very, very high.”
Full Squad: Goalkeepers – Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite, Tafari Chambers;
Defenders – Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Dexter Lembikisa, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Amari’i Bell, Mason Holgate; Midfielders – Isaac Hayden, Ian Fray, Bobby Reid, Jon Russell, Karoy Anderson, Jahshaun Anglin, Kasey Palmer; Forwards – Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri, Shamar Nicholson, Rumarn Burrell, Demarai Gray, Kaheim Dixon, Renaldo Cephas, Tyreece Campbell, Seymour Reid.
