The Jamaica national football team, the Reggae Boyz, are set to enter the next phase of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a significantly strengthened 26-man squad. Head coach Steve McClaren has named two promising newcomers, Inter Miami midfielder Ian Fray and 17-year-old New York City FC striker Seymour Reid, alongside the return of several vital players, including captain Andre Blake.
This squad announcement comes as Jamaica prepares for critical upcoming fixtures on October 10 against Curaçao away and October 14 at home against Bermuda. These matches are pivotal in the CONCACAF final round of qualifying, where the Reggae Boyz aim to solidify their position and move closer to a World Cup berth for the first time since 1998.
Introducing New Talent to the Reggae Boyz
The inclusion of Ian Fray and Seymour Reid marks an exciting injection of fresh talent into the Reggae Boyz setup. Fray, a midfielder for Inter Miami, brings his club experience to the national stage. Meanwhile, Seymour Reid, a prodigious 17-year-old forward from New York City FC, earns his first senior call-up, highlighting his rapid development in Major League Soccer. Reid, born in Jamaica, has already made history as the youngest player to debut for NYCFC and score for the club. His call-up signifies a focus on developing young talent for the future of Jamaican sports.
Key Players Return for the World Cup Push
The Reggae Boyz will also welcome back a host of experienced players who missed previous qualifying windows. Captain Andre Blake, a cornerstone of the team, returns to lead the squad. Also rejoining the team are defenders Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, and Amari’i Bell, alongside midfielder Bobby Reid and forwards Rumarn Burrell and Demarai Gray. These experienced campaigners provide crucial depth and leadership as Jamaica navigates the demanding qualifying schedule.
The squad also features local talent, with Jahshaun Anglin and Tafari Chambers from Mount Pleasant FA being called up, showcasing the development within the domestic leagues.
Upcoming Fixtures and Campaign Context
Jamaica has started its World Cup qualifying campaign strongly, maintaining a perfect record in the initial matches of the final round. The team secured a 4-0 victory against Bermuda in their last outing and a 2-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago, placing them in a favorable position at the top of Group B.
The upcoming matches against Curaçao and Bermuda are crucial for maintaining this momentum. A win in either fixture would significantly boost Jamaica’s chances of securing an automatic qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup. The technical staff, under head coach Steve McClaren, will be looking to leverage the blend of seasoned professionals and emerging stars to achieve these vital results. This period is a significant chapter in Jamaican news related to international sports.
Squad Overview:
The full 26-man squad announced for these qualifiers includes:
* Goalkeepers: Andre Blake, Tafari Chambers, Jahmali Waite
* Defenders: Joel Latibeaudiere, Richard King, Dexter Lembikisa, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Ethan Pinnock, Amari’i Bell, Mason Holgate
* Midfielders: Isaac Hayden, Bobby Reid, Jon Russell, Karoy Anderson, Kasey Palmer, Ian Fray, Jahshaun Anglin
* Forwards: Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri, Shamar Nicholson, Rumarn Burrell, Kaheim Dixon, Renaldo Cephas, Tyreece Campbell, Seymour Reid, Demarai Gray
With a strong squad and a clear objective, the Reggae Boyz are poised to make a determined push towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.