Steve McClaren has resigned as Jamaica manager after their World Cup qualification hopes were dashed by Curacao, the smallest nation to reach the finals.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Steve McClaren has resigned as Jamaica’s national team coach following their failure to clinch automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
The decision came after Jamaica were held to a 0–0 draw by Curaçao in Kingston – a result that proved costly in their final qualifying match.
McClaren, 64, publicly reflected on his time in the role, saying: “I have given everything I have to this job, to this role … Leading this team really has been one of the greatest honours of my career.”
He went on to add that despite his commitment, “football is a results business and tonight we’ve fallen short of our goal, which was to qualify from this group.”
He accepted responsibility for the outcome, stating that “it is the responsibility of the leader to step forward, take accountability … After deep reflection … I have decided to step down as the head coach.”
Under McClaren’s tenure, Jamaica had narrowly missed out on a direct spot in the finals, leaving them to hope for a route through the inter-confederation playoffs.
His resignation triggers a recruitment challenge for Jamaica’s football federation, as they now look to replace him ahead of the crucial playoff stage next year.
The exit marks the end of a campaign that began with high hopes but ultimately ended in disappointment.