Jamaica

Jamaica have been a steady force in the Gold Cup, making 13 appearances as of 2023 and having twice reached the final. But too often they haven’t fulfilled their billing and the promise of their Premier League stars.

What to expect

The Reggae Boyz made the Gold Cup final in 2015, falling 3-1 to Mexico, and again in 2017, narrowly losing 2-1 to the United States. Their 2015 run was historic, marking the first time a Caribbean nation reached the Gold Cup final. Jamaica also made the semi-finals in 1993 and 2019.

With a core of England-based heritage players who are proven quantities in the Premier League and Championship, knitting them into a tighter unit is the challenge. Jamaica should have beaten the US at the 2023 Gold Cup, throwing away the lead and a dominant performance to draw 1-1 and end up second in the group, pushing them into the same side of the draw as a resurgent Mexico team who overwhelmed them in the semi-final 3-0.

Heimer Hallgrimsson looked to have taken the Jamaicans as far as he could at that point and soon after left to take over the Republic of Ireland. Nearly is not enough and relatively new manager Steve McClaren knows that. The core objective is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the Jamaicans are into the next round of group qualifying, but they need to establish a winning habit and the expectation that comes with it.

In the 2021 Gold Cup, Jamaica advanced from Group C with two wins and one loss, but their campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a hard-fought 1-0 defeat to the United States. Overall, Jamaica has built a reputation for resilience and ambition, consistently challenging the region’s elite but never quite managing to become one of them. Now might be that opportunity to make their obvious talent and become the first Caribbean nation to lift the trophy.

They open against Guatemala who will be their final game in World Cup qualifying before the Gold Cup starts. A good win there will set them up for a deep run with Panama without Adelberto Carrasquilla looking ready for the taking and opening a slightly smoother path for the Jamaicans in the knock-out rounds.

Star Players

• Leon Bailey (Aston Villa) – Electrifying and unpredictable, Bailey is Jamaica’s most dynamic talent and a true game-changer. Renowned for his blistering pace, dazzling dribbling, and creativity, he’s become only the second Jamaican to score in the UEFA Champions League.
• Demarai Gray (Al-Ettifaq) – Brings Premier League class and versatility to Jamaica’s attack with sharp technical skills and a keen eye for goal, equally comfortable creating chances or finishing them. On his day he is creatively unstoppable.
• Michail Antonio (West Ham United) – A powerhouse up front combining raw strength with intelligent movement and clinical finishing. If fit after surviving a terrible car crash, Antonio will give the team a spiritual lift and a muscular presence on the pitch.
• Shamar Nicholson (Tijuana) – Jamaica’s reliable goal-getter who started in the Jamaican league before heading overseas, is known for his physicality and ability in front of goal. He has scored 19 times in 56 appearances, though many of those appearances have been from the bench. McClaren is looking for a forward who will score the big goals in the big games. Nicholson could be that player.
• Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union) – The long-serving captain and first-choice goalkeeper, a multiple-time MLS Goalkeeper of the Year who has played 284 times for his club and 84 times for Jamaica. Probably the best goalkeeper in Concacaf, too often let down by a defence that too often has lost concentration at key moments.

Manager:

Steve McClaren was appointed head coach in July 2024. McClaren is a highly experienced English football coach celebrated for his tactical intelligence and adaptability. He made history by guiding Middlesbrough to their first major trophy – the League Cup in 2004 – and leading them to a UEFA Cup final. McClaren also won the Eredivisie with FC Twente in 2010, becoming the first Englishman since Sir Bobby Robson to claim a Dutch league title.

Internationally he managed England from 2006-07, taking them and a team led by David Beckham and that included Stephen Gerrard and Wayne Rooney to a European Championship and an earlier than expected exit.

Schedule

• June 16, 2025: vs Guatemala (GC) – Los Angeles, Dignity Health
• June 20, 2025: vs Guadeloupe (GC) – San Jose, PayPal Park
• June 24, 2025: vs Panama (GC) – Austin, Q2 Stadium

Squad: