Jamaica’s potential squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is eyeing a return to football’s biggest stage for the first time since 1998, with decisive victories needed in this month’s inter-confederation play-offs.

Head coach Rudolph Speid has put together his latest selection as the Reggae Boyz prepare to push for qualification to the tournament set to be held across North America this summer.

As national teams begin to assemble their squads, Jamaica are determined to secure their spot at the 2026 World Cup, beginning their campaign against New Caledonia on March 27.

Should they win that match, Speid’s side will then face either Bolivia or Suriname to confirm their place at the finals — which would mark Jamaica’s first World Cup appearance in nearly three decades and only their second overall.

Jamaica finished second in their qualifying group, just a single point behind Curacao, who topped the standings with 12 points.

The Reggae Boyz recorded three wins, two draws, and one defeat in their group matches — that lone loss coming to Curacao, a result that allowed Dick Advocaat’s team to qualify at Jamaica’s expense.

Earlier this year, Jamaica also participated in the 2024 Copa America, though their campaign ended at the group stage following three defeats to Venezuela, Ecuador, and Mexico.

Before that, the Jamaicans had qualified for the Copa America in both 2015 and 2016 but failed to advance beyond the group stage on those occasions as well, losing all six of their matches combined.

Below is the complete squad named by Rudolph Speid for Jamaica’s 2026 World Cup qualification play-offs.

Goalkeepers: Amal Knight (Greenville Triumph FC), Jahmali Waite (FC Tampa Bay Rowdies), Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union)

Defenders: Ronaldo Webster (KF Shkendija), Amari’i Bell (Charlton Athletic), Richard King (St Mirren), Damion Lowe (Dewa United FC), Ethan Pinnock (Brentford), Joel Latibeaudiere (Coventry City), Ian Fray (Inter Miami), Kyle Ming (Mount Pleasant FA)

Midfielders: Isaac Hayden (Queens Park Rangers), Kevon Lambert (Louisville City FC), Karoy Anderson (Blackpool), Tyrese Hall (Notts County), Kasey Palmer (Luton Town), Andre Brooks (Sheffield United), Leon Bailey (Aston Villa), Bobby Reid (Leicester City), Dwight Merrick (Montego Bay United)

Forwards: Bailey Cadamarteri (Wrexham), Jamal Lowe (Sheffield Wednesday), Demarai Gray (Birmingham City), Ephron Mason-Clark (Coventry City), Renaldo Cephas (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), Norman Campbell (V-Varen Nagasaki), Tyreece Campbell (Charlton Athletic)

Fixtures:

March 27: New Caledonia vs Jamaica, Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico

November 19, 2025: Jamaica 0-0 Curacao, Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica

November 14, 2025: Trinidad and Tobago 1-1 Jamaica, Halsey Crawford Stadium, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

October 15, 2025: Jamaica 4-0 Bermuda, Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica

October 11, 2025: Curacao 2-0 Jamaica, Estadio Ergilio Hato, Willemstad, Curacao

September 10, 2025: Jamaica 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago, Independence Park, Kingston, Jamaica

September 5, 2025: Bermuda 0-4 Jamaica, Bermuda National Stadium, Hamilton, Bermuda

Rudolph Speid currently serves as the interim head coach of the Jamaican national team, taking over from Steve McClaren, who previously guided the Reggae Boyz through their qualification campaign.

Speid has been appointed to oversee the play-off matches on a temporary basis, though his tenure could be extended depending on Jamaica’s performance under his management.

The 64-year-old coach brings significant experience, having led Cavalier FC to victory in the 2024 Caribbean Club Championship, a highlight of his domestic career.

It has been some time since Demarai Gray last featured in the English Premier League, with his final appearances coming for Everton during the 2022/23 season.

Gray has been one of Birmingham City’s standout players in the current campaign, contributing nine goal involvements in 31 matches and ranking as the club’s third-highest scorer.

If Gray can rediscover his top form, he could be the key figure capable of inspiring Jamaica’s return to the World Cup stage this summer.