The Jamaican Football Federation has appointed Rudolph Speid to serve as interim head coach of the Reggae Boyz for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament next March.
Speid replaces Steve McClaren, who departed following Jamaica’s failure to automatically qualify for next year’s 48-team global showpiece when they drew 0-0 at home with Curaçao on the final matchday of Concacaf qualifying.
“Mr. Rudolph Speid has been appointed to assume the role of Head Coach effective December 15, 2025 until March 31, 2026 while we are in discussions with Mr. Miguel Coley’s agent to serve as Assistant Coach,” said the JFF in an official statement.
“These appointments have been made to ensure continuity in the team’s preparation and performance as the Federation continues to finalize the necessary logistical and administrative arrangements.”
Speid has enjoyed great success in Jamaican football, winning the domestic league title in three of the past four years with Cavalier SC. He also guided the club to the 2024 Concacaf Caribbean Cup title.
Jamaica will attempt to qualify for World Cup 2026 in the FIFA Play-off Tournament to be held next March in Mexico. The Caribbean side will face OFC runner-up New Caledonia in the semi-final of pathway 1 on 26 March at Guadalajara Stadium.
With a victory, they will advance to the Play-off final against CAF Play-off winner Congo DR on 31 March, with the triumphant side from that contest qualifying for the World Cup.
