McClaren named Reggae Boyz’s head coach in Jamaica

The Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) announced on Wednesday that Steve McClaren has been appointed as the squad’s head coach for the men’s national soccer team.

After Jamaica’s dismal performance at the Copa America event, head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson abruptly left last month. The former England national team player and Premier League manager has joined the “Reggae Boyz”.

With the intention of assisting Jamaica in its journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, McClaren, who was most recently an assistant coach with Manchester United FC, was appointed to a two-year contract, according to the JFF.

“I had no hesitation in accepting a position that is ideally suited to me at this stage of my career,” McClaren, a technical advisor for a FIFA Global Eco Analysis project who had previously worked with Jamaica, stated.

“I rapidly became aware of the possibilities this nation held. That potential has increased dramatically in the years afterward, and there is every reason to think that a bright future is still in store with constant effort and advancement.”

FIFA increased the number of teams competing from 32 to 48, increasing Jamaica’s prospects of making it to the 2026 World Cup. CONCACAF countries would receive three automatic qualifying spots.

Next up for the Reggae Boyz is a 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League encounter against Cuba on September 6 at Kingston’s National Stadium.