After Jamaica missed the opportunity to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, Stephen McClaren announced his resignation as head coach of the national team.

The 64-year-old McClaren officially took over the Jamaican national team in July 2024, shouldering the heavy responsibility of leading the team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. However, after 90 minutes of hard-fought play, Jamaica drew 0-0 with Curaçao in the sixth round of the third stage of the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

After this match, Jamaica finished second in Group B, just one point behind the leaders, failing to qualify directly for the 2026 USA-Mexico World Cup. At this stage, they can only compete for the final two World Cup finals spots through the intercontinental playoffs.

After the game, McClaren officially announced his resignation at the press conference. He stated frankly, "I know everyone is as disappointed as we are. I want to thank the fans for their unwavering support throughout the team's ups and downs. As I said before, I believe Jamaica will achieve success in March."

“I would also like to thank the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) for their support, especially Mr. Speed – who brought me here 18 months ago. I have worked with him very closely over the past few months. I am very grateful to him and the president for their continued support of me and my team.”

“I’ve always believed that leadership is a service. Tonight, I think the best way I could serve the team was to step aside and let others lead the way. I’m confident they will succeed in March and beyond. There’s a wealth of talent and ability on this island and among its overseas community; success is just a matter of time.”

"Thank you, Jamaica. I am deeply honored to coach the Jamaican national team and will always be grateful. My respect and love to you all, and I look forward to seeing you again at the World Cup. Thank you very much."

McClaren later reiterated in a statement: "It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career to coach Jamaica. However, football is a results-oriented sport, and tonight we failed to achieve our goal of advancing from the group stage."

“As a leader, I must step up and take responsibility to make the best decisions for the team’s future. After careful consideration and an honest assessment of the current situation and future direction, I have decided to resign as head coach of the Jamaican national team.”

Before managing Jamaica, McClaren had served as manager of Manchester United's first team for two years. He also managed Middlesbrough, the England national team, Twente, Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Newcastle United, and Queens Park Rangers, among others, with an overall record of 301 wins, 152 draws, and 218 losses.