McClaren steps down as Jamaica boss after World Cup blow | OneFootball

Steve McClaren has resigned as head coach of Jamaica following a disappointing 0-0 draw with Curaçao, a result that ended their hopes of automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in North America.

The Reggae Boyz needed a win to secure a place in Canada, Mexico and the U.S., but despite hitting the post three times in the second half, they could not find a way past a resilient Curaçao side. In doing so, Curaçao became the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, with a population of just over 156,000.

McClaren, who formerly managed England and had been assistant manager at Manchester United under Erik ten Hag, leaves Jamaica having finished second in Group B of CONCACAF qualifying. The team were expected to qualify automatically, making the setback all the more bitter.

Jamaica still have a route to the 48-team World Cup, but they must now negotiate an inter-confederation play-off in March, facing opponents such as Iraq and DR Congo.

For McClaren, it is another missed shot at major tournament qualification, having taken the Jamaica job partly for the chance to lead a team to the World Cup, with the usual North American heavyweights already assured as hosts. Following the Curaçao draw, he opted to step down immediately.