Leon Bailey returns as Speid names Reggae Boyz World Cup squad

March 20, 2026
Jamaica’s Leon Bailey (right) is challenged by El Salvador's Luis Vasquez during a Concacaf World Cup Qualifier  at the National Stadium on Thursday, March 24, 2022.
Jamaica’s Leon Bailey (right) is challenged by El Salvador's Luis Vasquez during a Concacaf World Cup Qualifier at the National Stadium on Thursday, March 24, 2022.

Star winger Leon Bailey is set to make a return to the Reggae Boyz as interim head coach Rudolph Speid unveiled his squad for Jamaica's do-or-die playoff matches for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Jamaica will face New Caledonia on March 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico, with a win setting up a decisive clash against DR Congo on March 31, which will determine who secures a place at the global tournament.

Speid, leading the team on an interim basis for the playoffs, announced the squad at a Jamaica Football Federation press conference earlier today.

Bailey's return after missing national duty due to injury is the highlight of the squad, alongside new call-ups Andre Brooks, Ephron Mason-Clark and Tyrese Hall.

Meanwhile, familiar faces such as Shamar Nicholson, Kaheim Dixon and Dujuan 'Whisper' Richards have been left out of the selection for the crucial fixtures.

- Gregory Bryce

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