Reggae Boyz coach highlights need for team to adapt to modern systems

Reggae Boyz head coach Steve McClaren says the team must adapt quickly to modern systems if they are to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

His comments come after the Reggae Boyz were knocked out of the CONCACAF Nations League at the quarter-final stage, 4-2 by the United States in their 2nd leg match at the City Park Stadium in St Louis, Missouri on Monday night.

Christian Pulisic in the 14th and 33rd minutes, Ricardo Pepi in the 42nd minute and Timothy Weah in the 56th minute, were the scorers for the USA on the night. Demarai Gray in the 53rd and 68th minutes, scored for the Jamaicans. 

The Americans prevailed 5-2 on aggregate, having won the first leg 1-0 in Kingston last week Thursday.

McClaren says the team must improve quickly in certain areas if they to compete with the best teams in the region as well internationally.

The defeat means the Reggae Boyz also missed out on automatic qualification for the 2025 Gold Cup and will now move to a playoff group to secure qualification.