Caribbean National Weekly

Rotherham's Denzel Hall gets first Reggae Boyz call-up for Mexico showdown

By Ian Burnett··2 min read
Rotherham's Denzel Hall gets first Reggae Boyz call-up for Mexico showdown
Key Points(5)
  • Rotherham United defender Denzel Hall is the new face in Jamaica's 23-man squad for their crucial Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal showdown against Mexico, as interim head coach Rudolph Speid prepares his team for one of its toughest assignments since taking charge.
  • The right back is the only uncapped player named in the squad, earning his first senior national team invitation ahead of the two-legged encounter, which begins at the National Stadium in Kingston on November 14 before moving to Estadio BBVA in Monterrey for the return match on November 17.
  • Hall's inclusion provides a fresh option in the defensive department as Jamaica seek to overcome one of the region's traditional powerhouses and secure a place in the Nations League semifinals.
  • Speid acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but stressed that Jamaica must approach the contest with the ambition of securing a positive result.
  • “Mexico are really a good team, but a positive result against them is very important,” Speid said.

Rotherham United defender Denzel Hall is the new face in Jamaica's 23-man squad for their crucial Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal showdown against Mexico, as interim head coach Rudolph Speid prepares his team for one of its toughest assignments since taking charge.

The right back is the only uncapped player named in the squad, earning his first senior national team invitation ahead of the two-legged encounter, which begins at the National Stadium in Kingston on November 14 before moving to Estadio BBVA in Monterrey for the return match on November 17.

Hall's inclusion provides a fresh option in the defensive department as Jamaica seek to overcome one of the region's traditional powerhouses and secure a place in the Nations League semifinals.

Speid acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge but stressed that Jamaica must approach the contest with the ambition of securing a positive result.

“Mexico are really a good team, but a positive result against them is very important,” Speid said.

Hall headlines changes as Brown returns to national fold

While Hall represents the only newcomer, the squad also features several players returning to the international setup, most notably Mount Pleasant striker Warner Brown.

Brown has been recalled after an extended absence that dates back to Jamaica's unsuccessful 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. His return gives Speid another attacking option for the demanding assignment.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Tyrese Hall is also back in the squad after last representing Jamaica during the 2026 Unity Cup.

Colorado Springs Switchbacks striker Khori Bennett, Louisville City FC midfielder Kevon Lambert and Tampa Bay Rowdies goalkeeper Jahmali Waite have also earned recalls.

Sixteen players from the October international window retain their places, providing a degree of continuity as the Reggae Boyz prepare for the decisive two-match series.

Gold Cup qualification adds to stakes

The encounter carries significance beyond a place in the Nations League semifinals, as the quarterfinal winners will automatically qualify for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup.

The successful teams will also advance to the Nations League Finals in March, making the November fixtures particularly important for Jamaica's ambitions on both fronts.

Mexico will have home advantage in the second leg, leaving the Boyz with an important opportunity to establish a favorable position when the teams meet in Kingston.

The other quarterfinal matchups will see the United States face Haiti, Canada take on Guatemala, and Curaçao battle Panama.

Squad: Goalkeepers: Andre Blake (captain), Jahmali Waite, Amal Knight.

Defenders: Christopher Ainsworth, Miguel Freckleton, Denzel Hall, Richard King, Joel Latibeaudiere, Damion Lowe, Kyle Ming, Ronaldo Webster.

Midfielders: Karoy Anderson, Courtney Clarke, Brandon Cover, Tyrese Hall, Kevon Lambert, Dwight Merrick.

Forwards: Warner Brown, Tyreece Campbell, Renaldo Cephas, Kaheim Dixon, Javon East, Khori Bennett.

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