Steve McClaren, the former England manager, has stepped down as head coach of Jamaica’s national football team following a disappointing 0-0 draw against Curaçao, which dashed their hopes of direct qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, held in Kingston on November 18, saw Curaçao secure the top spot in Group B of the Concacaf zone, marking their historic first-ever World Cup qualification as the smallest nation by population to achieve this feat. Panama and Haiti also advanced from the Concacaf region. Despite finishing second in their group, Jamaica still has a chance to qualify through the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March in Mexico, where they will compete against teams from Asia, Africa, South America, and Oceania. McClaren announced his resignation immediately after the match, stating that his decision was “in the best interests of the team.” Reflecting on his 18-month tenure, he described leading the “Reggae Boyz” as one of the greatest honors of his career. McClaren, who previously served as an assistant to Erik ten Hag at Manchester United, emphasized the need for a fresh perspective to propel the team forward. The 64-year-old coach has a storied career, having managed clubs such as Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Newcastle, QPR, Wolfsburg, and Twente Enschede.