Steve McClaren has stepped down as head coach of Jamaica after their goalless draw with Curaçao ended hopes of securing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jamaica needed a win in Kingston to progress, but despite dominating large spells of the second half and striking the woodwork three times, they could not find the breakthrough.
The result confirmed Curaçao’s historic place at the World Cup, becoming the smallest nation by population ever to reach the finals. Jamaica, meanwhile, finished second in Group B of the Concacaf qualifiers, falling short of expectations after entering the campaign as favourites.
McClaren admitted the setback played a central role in his decision to resign. “Leading this team has been one of the greatest honours of my career, but football is a results business and tonight we have fallen short,” the 64-year-old said. He added that it was his responsibility to “step forward, take accountability and make decisions in the best interests of the team.”
Jamaica still have a route to the expanded 48-team tournament through the intercontinental playoffs in March. They will join Bolivia, Suriname, New Caledonia, Iraq and DR Congo in Mexico, where two qualification spots will be available.
