Reggae Boyz knocked out of Gold Cup group stage after Panama thrashing

The 2025 Gold Cup campaign for the Reggae Boyz comes to a crashing halt after Jamaica get wrecked by Panama in Texas to end their run in the group stage.

A first-half hat-trick from Panamanian striker Ismael Diaz proved enough to dispatch the Reggae Boyz 4-1 in their crunch Group B finale. That result, coupled with Guatemala’s 3-2 victory over Guadeloupe, means Guatemala will join Panama in the quarterfinals on 6 points, while Jamaica heads on the plane home with 3 points. Left back A’Mari Bell got Jamaica’s lone goal in the 27th minute off a Dexter Lembikisa cross.

Questions Arise Amid the Reggae Boyz Gold Cup Disappointment

This is the first time the Reggae Boyz have been knocked out in the group stage of a Gold Cup since 2009. Jamaica made deep runs in four of the last five Gold Cups, including two finals (2015, 2017) and two semi-finals (2019, 2023). They were expected to contend again in this competition. However, a 1-0 defeat against Guatemala in Jamaica’s opening game proved fatal, with the Boyz’s lone victory coming over Guadeloupe by a 2-1 scoreline.

The early exit raises questions about the future of manager Steve McClaren, whose 11-month stint in charge has been underwhelming. Several questionable performances, particularly against considerably weaker opposition.

Jamaica Shifts Its Attention to Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Jamaica must shake off the disappointment and focus on the make-or-break final round of 2026 World Cup qualifying in CONCACAF. The Boyz face Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao and Bermuda this fall, with the winner of the group automatically qualifying for United 2026. The second-placed team from the group then heads to an intercontinental playoff tournament early next year.