In what promises to be a defining moment for Jamaican women’s football, the Reggae Girlz are slated to take on two of the sport’s biggest powerhouses—world number one United States and reigning European champions England—across a pair of international friendlies this June.
The matchups, scheduled for June 3 in St. Louis, Missouri and June 29 at the King Power Stadium in Leicester, mark a critical chapter in Jamaica’s ongoing football evolution. Notably, the meeting with England will be the first-ever clash between the two nations at the senior women’s level.
President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), Michael Ricketts, views the fixtures as high-caliber tests that will provide valuable insight into the team’s progress ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
“These are the kinds of challenges that force growth,” said Ricketts. “It’s an opportunity not just to compete, but to benchmark ourselves against the very best.”
While the Reggae Girlz have previously crossed paths with the United States in regional competition, the encounter with England brings fresh intrigue. The Lionesses are coming off a runner-up finish at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and are preparing to defend their UEFA Women’s EURO title later this summer.
Reggae Girlz head coach Hubert Busby emphasized the significance of the UK fixture, particularly for Jamaica’s strong diaspora in England.
“Our supporters across the UK, especially in the Midlands, will finally have a chance to cheer on the team in person,” Busby said. “This is more than just a friendly—it’s a moment of pride for the program and a vital part of our competitive buildup.”
England manager Sarina Wiegman echoed the sentiment, calling the fixture a welcome addition to her team’s pre-Euro preparations.
“Jamaica will bring a unique challenge,” said Wiegman. “They’ve shown resilience and quality, especially on the World Cup stage. We’re looking forward to a strong test on home turf.”
Currently ranked 40th in the world, Jamaica’s national women’s team continues to defy expectations and build on its rising reputation. These high-profile friendlies are expected to boost not only competitive readiness but also international visibility as the Reggae Girlz push toward another historic World Cup campaign.
