McClaren resigns as Jamaica boss after World Cup failure

Steve McClaren has resigned from his position as Jamaica’s head coach after their failure to directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

McClaren, who replaced Heimir Hallgrimsson in July last year, watched on as his team played out a goalless draw with Curacao in their final Group B encounter.

The result saw Curacao become the smallest nation in terms of population to qualify for the World Cup.

Jamaica still have a chance of reaching FIFA’s flagship tournament for the first time since 1998, but must come through the six-team inter-confederation play-offs.

The draw takes place on Friday, with Iraq, DR Congo, Suriname, Bolivia and New Caledonia all battling it out for a spot in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

McClaren took charge of 23 matches, winning 11 (D6 L6), and said his decision to resign was in the best interest of the nation moving forward.

“Over the last 18 months, I have given everything I have to this job,” McLaren said. “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 of our goal, which was to qualify from this group.

“It is the responsibility of the leader to step forward, take accountability and make decisions in the best interests of the team.

“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.

“Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is to recognise when a fresh voice, new energy and a different perspective is required to move this team forward.”