KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Former England manager Steve McLaren has resigned as Jamaica manager after his Reggae Boyz lost 0-0 to Curacao, missing out on direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup.
As a result, Curaçao took first place in Group B in the CONCACAF zone. By competing in the tournament for the first time in its history, it became the country with the smallest population to qualify.
CONCACAF members Panama and Haiti have also secured slots.
Jamaica finished second in Group B but still has a chance to advance to the World Cup.
Tuesday’s games determined the six teams that will participate in the intercontinental playoffs to be held in Mexico in March. Two teams from these games will qualify: Iraq from Asia, Congo from Africa, Jamaica and Suriname from CONCACAF, Bolivia from South America, and New Caledonia from Oceania.
McLaren resigned minutes after the match in Kingston, saying his decision was “in the best interests of the team”.
“For the past 18 months, I have given my all to this job,” he said. “Leading this team is one of the greatest honors of my career.”
McLaren left Manchester United in the summer of 2024 and served as assistant to Erik ten Hag before becoming his successor.
“After deep reflection and an honest assessment of where we are and where we need to go, I have decided to step down as head coach of the Jamaican national team,” McClaren said in a statement.
“Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is recognize when a new voice, new energy, a different perspective is needed to move this team forward.”
The 64-year-old Englishman has previously managed a number of clubs including Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Newcastle, QPR, Wolfsburg and Twente Enschede.
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
