The former England manager Steve McClaren quit as Jamaica coach after his “Reggae Boyz” were held 0-0 by Curaçao and failed to directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The result meant Curaçao topped Group B in the CONCACAF zone. By making the tournament for the first time in its history, it became the smallest nation by population to qualify.
It is joined by CONCACAF sides Panama and Haiti, which also booked their spots.
Jamaica finished second in Group B but still can advance to the World Cup.
The games yesterday [Macau time] finalized the six teams that will take part in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico in March. Two teams will qualify from those matches, which includes Iraq in Asia, Congo in Africa, Jamaica and Suriname from CONCACAF, Bolivia from South America and New Caledonia from Oceania.
McClaren resigned just minutes after the match in Kingston, saying his decision was “in the best interests of the team.”
“Over the last 18 months I have given everything I have to this job,” he said. “Leading this team has been one of the greatest honours of my career.” MDT/AP
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