In a high-stakes showdown at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica’s ReggaeBoyz are set to clash with group leaders Curacao in the decisive second leg of the Concacaf World Cup qualifying Group B. The match, scheduled for Tuesday, will determine which team secures an automatic berth to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Jamaica, seeking their first World Cup appearance since 1998, must secure a victory to keep their hopes alive, while Curacao, currently topping the group with 11 points, needs only a draw to qualify. A win for Curacao would make them the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup. Jamaica’s head coach has made three strategic changes to the starting lineup, reintroducing striker Shamar Nicholson, who was benched in the 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago last Thursday. Wingbacks Dexter Lembikisa and Ian Fray also join the starting XI, replacing Rumarn Burrell, Mason Holgate, and Jonathan Russell. Winger Renaldo Cephas, who scored Jamaica’s lone goal in their previous match, retains his spot, while central defender Richard King, who was substituted early in the last game, is fit to start alongside Ethan Pinnock and Greg Leigh. Curacao, who defeated Jamaica 2-0 in their first-round encounter, will be playing under their current name in Jamaica for the first time, having previously competed as the Netherland Antilles in the 1998 Caribbean Cup. Jamaica’s last victory over Curacao dates back to the 2017 Gold Cup, where they won 2-0. The match promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams vying for a historic World Cup qualification. The second-placed team will still have a chance to qualify via a playoff in March 2026.
Nicholson returns to lead ReggaeBoyz attack in crucial WCQ game against Curacao
