Reggae Boyz appoint Rudolph Speid as interim manager

The Reggae Boyz face an uphill battle in their ambitions to end a 28-year World Cup drought following their disappointing draw against Curacao. As they head to the intercontinental playoffs, a new man will lead them as they seek redemption, coming from upstairs.

The Jamaican Football Federation (JFF) confirmed on Friday that Rudolph Speid, their technical advisor, is the new interim manager of the men’s senior national team. Speid, who became the chairman of the JFF’s technical committee in the summer, takes over from former boss Steve McClaren ahead of the playoffs. McClaren resigned immediately after Jamaica’s 0-0 draw at home to Curacao, which cost them an automatic 2026 World Cup berth.

Another Local Coach Joins Rudolph Speid

A JFF statement clarified that Speid will officially assume interim coaching duties on Dec. 15 and is contracted until the end of March, when the playoffs conclude. The JFF also confirmed that they are closing in on well-travelled local coach Miguel Coley as Speid’s assistant. Coley, best known for his work in schoolboy football, has enjoyed fruitful coaching spells in the Middle East in recent years, including spells in Iran, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Speid, who is also the manager and technical director of defending Jamaican Premier League side, Cavalier FC, has a lot on his plate. The Boyz’s draw with Curacao ended a disappointing final round of CONCACAF qualifying, in what seemed like a very manageable all-Caribbean group. That result sent Curacao through to the World Cup for the first time and left Jamaica one point short of United 2026.

A Tricky World Cup Playoff Bracket

Jamaica must win two games to join the 48-team pool at the 2026 World Cup. First, they face New Caledonia in the playoff semifinal. Should the Reggae Boyz win that game, they must then defeat DR Congo in the final to earn their first World Cup berth since France ’98.

The Boyz hope to join fellow CONCACAF sides Curacao, Haiti, Panama and co-hosts, the United States, Canada and Mexico, at United 2026. Meanwhile, Suriname, like Jamaica, will contest the interconfederation playoffs, which kick off next March in Mexico.