Jamaica has announced a 23-man squad for their upcoming CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifiers against St Vincent and the Grenadines, set for March 21 in St Vincent and March 25 in Kingston. The squad, a mix of experienced internationals and promising local players, will look to secure qualification for the CONCACAF Gold Cup while continuing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Goalkeepers Andre Blake, Shaquan Davis, and Jahmali Waite have been selected, with Blake’s leadership and experience expected to be crucial. The defensive unit includes Ethan Pinnock, Amar’i Bell, Dexter Lembikisa, Richard King, Kyle Ming, Christopher Ainsworth, Joel Latibeaudiere, and Fitzroy Cummings, providing a blend of top-tier experience and emerging local talent.
In midfield, Isaac Hayden, Jahshaun Anglin, Bobby Reid, Sue-Lae McCalla, Casey Palmer, and Tyreke MaGee will be tasked with controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Up front, Leon Bailey, Demarai Gray, Shamar Nicholson, Kaheim Dixon, Ronaldo Cephas, and Warren Brown will provide attacking firepower, with Bailey and Gray expected to be the focal points of the attack.
Head coach Steve McLaren emphasized the significance of these matches, not just for Gold Cup qualification, but for maintaining Jamaica’s FIFA ranking, which will be crucial for future tournament seeding.
Several key players were unavailable due to injury, including Di’Shon Bernard, Greg Leigh and Mason Holgate, with Holgate set to undergo surgery for a persistent toe injury. Michail Antonio, who is still recovering, remains optimistic about returning for the summer fixtures. Romario Williams is awaiting surgery and is unavailable, while Damion Lowe has been excused due to personal matters but remains on standby for the second match.
Lowe is unavailable for the first of two matches
Despite these absences, McLaren expressed confidence in the squad’s depth, particularly the nine locally based players, who earned their spots after impressing in the recent training camp and friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago.
"The work we did in camp gave me confidence that these players can step up. We have enough experience with the likes of Blake, Pinnock, Bell, Hayden, Palmer, Reid, Bailey, and Nicholson to guide the squad forward," he said.
McLaren and his coaching staff have extensively analyzed St Vincent and the Grenadines, studying their performances against Bonaire, Montserrat, and El Salvador. He warned against complacency, pointing out their team chemistry, spirit, and attacking threats.
"This won’t be an easy game. They’ve got a great attitude and players in their front four who can cause problems. Our first job is to ensure we approach the game with the right mindset and focus," the Reggae Boyz head coach warned.
Jamaica’s coaching staff has seen recent changes, with goalkeeping coach Richard Hartis taking up a role at Beşiktaş in Turkey alongside Ole Gunnar Solskjær. However, Hartis remains committed to helping Jamaica qualify for both the Gold Cup and World Cup.
To fill the gap, McLaren has appointed Paul Simpson as his assistant coach. Simpson, who has previously worked with McLaren at Derby County and Newcastle United, brings valuable tournament experience, having led England’s U-20 team to a World Cup title in 2017.
Concluding, McLaren stressed the importance of unity, preparation, and sacrifice, reminding everyone of the opportunity ahead.
"This is a World Cup year, and we have a chance to qualify for the biggest stage in football. Since 1998, Jamaica hasn’t been there, and this is a rare opportunity. Everyone—from the JFF to the players, staff, and fans—must be fully committed," he asserted.
He also called on fans to rally behind the team, pointing to the 35,000-strong crowd at the National Stadium for the Inter Miami vs Cavalier match on Thursday night.
"We had a near full house against the USA, and a packed stadium for Messi. We want that same energy for the Reggae Boyz,” he declared. “The road to the World Cup is long, but with the right support, we can make history."
The two matches against St Vincent and the Grenadines will provide a crucial test ahead of the Gold Cup and World Cup qualifiers, as Jamaica fine-tunes tactics and builds momentum for a year that could define the nation’s footballing future.