“We’ll Fight for the Jamaican People”: McClaren’s Commitment to World Cup Dreams
Head coach Steve McClaren is on a mission, and it’s not just about football. As he leads Jamaica’s national team, the Reggae Boyz, toward the 2026 World Cup, he’s made it clear: he’s fighting for the Jamaican people. With a renewed sense of hope and determination, McClaren believes that qualification for the World Cup is not just a dream but a reachable goal.
“It’s been totally different from anything I’ve done before,” McClaren shared, reflecting on his first six months in charge. The 63-year-old Englishman, who previously served as an assistant coach at Manchester United, is embracing the vibrant culture of Jamaica. “The people here have a great sense of humor and a great vibe. And the players have been fantastic,” he added in a recent interview with FIFA.
McClaren took the reins of the Reggae Boyz with the World Cup in his sights. He sees an “unbelievable chance” for Jamaica to make it to the finals, especially with the changing dynamics in the Concacaf region. “With the US, Canada, and Mexico not involved, we believe we are one of the three or four best teams left in Concacaf,” he explained. The excitement is palpable, as the team has already secured maximum points from their first two matches in the preliminary rounds.
Should Jamaica clinch one of the three direct World Cup spots, it would mark their first appearance on football’s grandest stage since 1998—a moment still cherished by fans on the island. “It’s like the England 1966 side back home,” McClaren noted, recognizing the historical significance of the task at hand.
Building a connection with the Jamaican public is a priority for McClaren. “We’ve done a lot of research, talked to a lot of locals and members of that ‘98 team. We’ve got to embrace the Jamaican culture,” he said. His team has even visited the Bob Marley Museum and local schools, aiming to engage with the community. “We want the locals to know we’re fighting for the Jamaican people,” he emphasized.
This cultural immersion has influenced McClaren’s coaching style. “We have high standards and are quite strict, but Jamaica’s strength lies in their looseness and culture. We want to harness that love of life while maintaining structure,” he explained. It’s a delicate balance, but one that McClaren is eager to achieve.
Despite his extensive coaching career, McClaren remains a learner at heart. “What keeps me going is I’m a learner. I must learn something every day,” he said. His previous work with FIFA, where he analyzed Jamaica among other nations, opened his eyes to the island’s potential. Now, he’s focused on transforming that potential into World Cup qualification.
The passion of his players fuels his determination. “Many of them travel a long, long way to come to our camps. Look at Demarai Gray—he has to take a 20-hour flight from Saudi Arabia. But he loves representing Jamaica,” McClaren revealed. This commitment is a testament to the pride and spirit of Jamaican football.
Yet, McClaren knows the road to the World Cup is fraught with challenges. “Concacaf football is difficult. There are some damn good teams,” he acknowledged. But he believes that with a strong squad and a few game-changers, Jamaica can rise to the occasion.
When asked what it would mean to coach at the World Cup, McClaren’s eyes sparkled with emotion. “It would be unbelievable. To take a nation to the World Cup… that would be right up there in my list of achievements,” he said. With the opportunity on the horizon, McClaren and the Reggae Boyz are ready to give everything they’ve got. Will they make history once again? Only time will tell.