KINGSTON, JAMAICA — Nearly three decades after guiding Jamaica to its first and only FIFA World Cup appearance, veteran Brazilian coach Rene Simoes is positioning himself for a sensational return. The 72-year-old has reportedly expressed strong interest in leading the Reggae Boyz during the decisive intercontinental play-off campaign in March 2026.
Simoes’ intentions have not gone unnoticed. Several members of the historic 1998 World Cup squad — many of whom still wield significant influence within Jamaican football circles — are backing his bid. Sources indicate that Simoes has already made contact with the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), signalling his willingness to step back into the technical area.
The coaching seat became vacant earlier this week when Steve McClaren abruptly resigned, following a goalless home draw against tournament debutants Curaçao. The result saw Jamaica fall short of an automatic qualification berth, finishing second in their group on 11 points.
Jamaica’s path to the 2026 World Cup — co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — now runs through a two-leg intercontinental play-off. The Boyz will first face New Caledonia in March, with the winner progressing to meet DR Congo for a final spot in the tournament.
Simoes, revered for orchestrating the Reggae Boyz’s France 1998 breakthrough, remains an iconic figure in Jamaican football history. Under his guidance, Jamaica secured a memorable 2-1 win over Japan after suffering defeats to Croatia and Argentina in the group stage. His return would mark his third tenure as head coach, though his second stint ended in disappointment during the 2010 qualification cycle, culminating in a dismissal after a loss to Honduras.
As the JFF deliberates on its next steps, attention also turns to local tactician Rudolph Speid. The Cavalier SC head coach and chairman of the JFF Technical Committee is reportedly the front-runner for an interim appointment. His close involvement in the federation’s recent coaching decisions — including the departures of Theodore Whitmore, Heimir Hallgrímsson, and now McClaren — puts him in a strong position.
An official announcement is expected Friday, as Jamaica scrambles to restore stability and direction ahead of its most consequential fixtures in recent memory. Whether it’s a Simoes renaissance or Speid’s steady hand, the federation faces a critical juncture in shaping the team’s World Cup destiny.
