Following Jamaica’s exit from the CONCACAF Nations League, head coach Steve McClaren said the next three months of his tenure will be crucial.

The Reggae Boyz lost 2-4 to the United States of America (USA) on Monday losing the two-legged tie 5-2 and McClaren is ready for the next phase of the World Cup qualification.

“We know the areas where we need to improve. That is development. That is also recruitment and for the next 3 months until the next campaign, we will be doing a lot of hard work and working hard with the JFF,” said McClaren. “We want to maintain the standards and continue the improvement in terms of professionalism, organization and the staff have certainly bought into that and that’s key, buying into the process, which everyone has done,” he added.

Since the Englishman McClaren took charge of the Jamaican team in July, he has two wins against Nicaragua and Honduras, and two draws with Cuba and Honduras before losing twice to the Americans.

“I’ve spoken to the players. I love the players. I’ve loved every camp. The players have got great spirit, great energy together, good vibe and they want to work,” he noted. “They want to improve. They want to get better. They want to win. They want to qualify for World Cup 2026. So, I’ve enjoyed that.”

Jamaica will be aiming to qualify for the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by three CONCACAF countries in USA, Mexico and Canada. With three more spots up for grabs, the Reggae Boyz are expected to return to the highest stage for the first time since 1998.

“I’ve certainly had a look at a lot of players who can represent Jamaica and that’s too many. For whatever reason, injuries, not playing, suspensions, we’ve had a real good look and that’s what I wanted the first three camps,” McClaren pointed out.

The Englishman said he is trying to set the standard and develop a style and a way of playing in the modern game that will bear fruits not just for 2026, but for the future of football in Jamaica. “Because there’s a lot of young talent that I see and we need to develop them technically and tactically because they’ve got a great spirit, which is a great foundation and a foothold,” he noted. “So, I was delighted with the response in the second half. Delighted with the camps. It’s a process, I know and in that process, you’re gonna have good nights and bad nights.”