The Reggae Boyz are gearing up for a pivotal pair of FIFA World Cup qualifiers this October, with head coach Steve McClaren announcing a robust 26-man squad brimming with both seasoned campaigners and rising stars. After a flawless start to the final round—dispatching Bermuda 4-0 and Trinidad and Tobago 2-0—the Jamaican side sits confidently atop Group B, but the real tests are just around the corner as they prepare to face Curacao away on October 10 and Bermuda at home on October 14.
At a press conference held on October 4 at the Jamaica Football Federation headquarters, McClaren exuded a mix of cautious optimism and steely resolve. "We had a good start. We need to continue the momentum and it will be a very difficult game," he remarked, referencing the upcoming clash against Curacao. The Dutch-speaking Caribbean nation, currently second in Group B with four points, is no pushover. Under the guidance of veteran coach Dick Advocaat, Curacao boasts a squad stacked with Dutch-based talent, bringing technical prowess and tactical discipline to the fore.
"They have a very, very experienced coach in Dick Advocaat. I know of him from his time also in England. They have a squad full of Dutch players. The Dutch play a certain style, a certain way, and Dick’s certainly got them doing that. I know that very well. They have very good players, technically very good, and, obviously, playing at home on the artificial surface will give them an advantage," McClaren acknowledged. Still, he was quick to add, "We have no excuses. The focus is purely on getting the squad together and making sure everybody comes through and focusing on preparation for the game."
Jamaica’s squad for this window reflects a blend of experience and youthful promise. The return of captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake is a significant boost. Blake, fresh off back-to-back clean sheets for the Philadelphia Union, missed September’s fixtures due to injury but is now ready to marshal the defense once more. Alongside him, defenders Joel Latibeaudiere, Amari’i Bell, and Ethan Pinnock are back in the fold, adding much-needed steel and composure to the backline.
Up front, Demarai Gray makes his return, buoyed by a recent goal for Birmingham City at the end of September. His form and versatility offer McClaren tactical flexibility as the Boyz look to unlock the Curacao defense. However, the squad will be without the dynamic Leon Bailey, who continues his recovery at AS Roma. "Leon Bailey was desperate to come but, unfortunately, he is just coming back from his injuries," McClaren explained. "He’s back on the grass with his team and we feel it’s best that he focuses on getting fit and getting into Roma’s team and being available for the November window."
There’s also excitement about the inclusion of new faces. Ian Fray, who withdrew from the September squad citing readiness concerns, is now set for his first competitive action of the campaign. Even more intriguing is the call-up of 17-year-old Seymour Reid. The young forward has been turning heads at New York City FC in Major League Soccer, recently scoring his first senior goal in a 3-1 victory over Chicago Fire. His selection underscores McClaren’s commitment to blending youth with experience, a philosophy he believes is key to building a sustainable future for Jamaican football.
The full squad features: Goalkeepers – Andre Blake, Jahmali Waite, Tafari Chambers; Defenders – Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, Richard King, Dexter Lembikisa, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Amari’i Bell, Mason Holgate; Midfielders – Isaac Hayden, Ian Fray, Bobby Reid, Jon Russell, Karoy Anderson, Jahshaun Anglin, Kasey Palmer; Forwards – Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri, Shamar Nicholson, Rumarn Burrell, Demarai Gray, Kaheim Dixon, Renaldo Cephas, Tyreece Campbell, Seymour Reid.
With Curacao looming, McClaren is fully aware of the challenge ahead. "We know what to expect and it will be very, very difficult. We need to defend very well but also, when we have the opportunity, to play our football. But we’ve not just got this game but we have Bermuda as well and we want to come out with the points that we need to make sure we’re in control of the group for the November camp."
Curacao, for their part, are eager to test Jamaica’s mettle. Their squad, shaped by Advocaat’s tactical nous and a core of technically gifted players plying their trade in the Dutch leagues, has already shown resilience and organization in the qualifiers. The artificial turf at Ergilio Hato Stadium could provide an added wrinkle, but McClaren insists his team won’t be making excuses. "The goal is simple: get the points we need to stay in control of the group heading into November," he stated.
The Boyz’ journey is about more than just the present campaign. Since their historic debut at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Jamaican football has been on a quest to return to the sport’s grandest stage. This current group, with its mix of battle-tested veterans and hungry newcomers, carries that ambition. "We’re building something. The foundation is strong, but consistency and focus will determine how far we go. Every camp, every game, is part of that journey," McClaren reflected.
The October window offers a chance not only to solidify Jamaica’s position at the top of Group B but also to send a message to the rest of the region. Two more victories would put the Reggae Boyz firmly in control of their qualifying destiny and reinforce their status as one of the Caribbean’s premier footballing nations. The stakes are high, and the margins thin—one slip could open the door to rivals, while continued success will bolster belief in the Boyz’ World Cup dream.
As the team prepares for the away fixture in Curacao and the homecoming against Bermuda at Kingston’s National Stadium, known affectionately as "The Office," the mood in the camp is one of quiet determination. McClaren’s message is clear: focus, unity, and ambition must drive every moment. "We want to keep improving. The performances have to match the ambition—and our ambition is very, very high," he concluded.
With the World Cup qualifiers heating up and the Reggae Boyz boasting a fully fit, motivated squad, all eyes will be on their performances this October. The journey continues, and the nation holds its breath as the Boyz chase another shot at football’s biggest prize.