Steve McClaren: Former England boss quits as Jamaica head coach after failing to qualify directly for 2026 World Cup | Football news
Steve McClaren has resigned as Jamaica head coach after failing to qualify directly for the World Cup.
Jamaica could have reached next summer’s tournament if they had beaten Curaçao, but a goalless draw means their opponents finish top of the group and qualify for the tournament.
It is the smallest nation to have reached the World Cup.
McClaren said in a statement: “Over the past 18 months, I have given everything I have to this job, to this role.
“I have carried the weight and pride of this profession with the deepest respect.
“Leading this team has been one of the greatest honors of my career.
“But football is about results and tonight we didn’t achieve our goal, which was to qualify from this group.
A goalless draw secured Curacao’s place at next year’s World Cup
“It is the responsibility of the leader, myself, to move forward, take responsibility and make decisions in the best interest of the team moving forward.
“After careful consideration and an honest assessment of where we are and where we need to go, I have decided to step down from my position as head coach of the Jamaican national team.”
McClaren replaced Heimir Hellgrimsson – the current leader of the Republic of Ireland – in August 2024 and has taken charge of 24 matches in total.
He has won 13, with his team losing just once in World Cup qualifying – a 2-0 loss to Curacao in October.
Who has already qualified for the World Cup?
So far, forty-two teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, with the list below:
When does the draw for the play-offs take place?
The draw will take place on Thursday at midday UK time from FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Follow live coverage on Aerial sports digital platforms.
