Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz will embark on the decisive final round of Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers next month, opening with an away clash against Bermuda on September 5 before returning home to face rivals Trinidad and Tobago at Kingston’s National Stadium on September 9.
Head coach Steve McClaren on Friday unveiled a 26-man squad, expanded to offset a growing list of injuries that have complicated preparations.
The Reggae Boyz have been drawn into a group that also includes Curaçao. Only the group winner will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising the stakes for every match in this crucial window.
Key absences force adjustments
McClaren will be without several of his most influential players, including captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake, winger Leon Bailey, midfielder Bobby Reid, and defender Joel Latibeaudiere, all sidelined through injury. Their absence robs the side of both leadership and creativity at a time when margins are razor-thin.
Adding to the disappointment, England-born striker Mason Greenwood—who recently received his Jamaican passport—has ruled himself out of contention. McClaren confirmed that Greenwood told him he would not commit to international duty “at the moment,” choosing instead to focus on his club career with Olympique Marseille. Other England-born players, including Rico Henry, Max Aarons, and Lewis Baker, are also unavailable for this window.
Fresh faces and returning stars
Despite the setbacks, McClaren’s squad offers a blend of experience and promising newcomers. Striker Shamar Nicholson returns to the fold after being controversially omitted from the Concacaf Gold Cup in June, rejoining an attack that also features Demarai Gray and Michail Antonio, both vital to Jamaica’s frontline ambitions.
Among the debutants are Sheffield Wednesday forward Bailey Cadamarteri, New York Red Bulls defender Kyle Duncan, and Inter Miami midfielder Ian Fray. Their inclusion signals McClaren’s intent to broaden Jamaica’s talent pool while injecting youthful energy into the squad.
A crucial test ahead
For McClaren, the expanded squad is both a necessity and an opportunity. “The injuries have forced us to adapt, but they also give new players a chance to step up and show they belong at this level,” he said. The Boyz now turn their attention to Bermuda, where three points could set the tone for a campaign that will test their depth, resolve, and ambition to reach the world’s biggest stage in 2026.
Squad: Goalkeepers – Shaquan Davis, Jahmali Waite, Tafari Chambers; Defenders – Dexter Lembikisa, Kyle Duncan, Damion Lowe, Richard King, Ethan Pinnock, Mason Holgate, Amari’i Bell, Greg Leigh; Midfielders – Isaac Hayden, Ian Fray, Jon Russell, Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Jahshaun Anglin, Kevon Lambert; Forwards – Kaheim Dixon, Demarai Gray, Renaldo Cephas, Tyreece Campbell, Warner Brown, Bailey Cadamarteri, Michail Antonio, Shamar Nicholson.
