Reggae Boyz can qualify for World Cup

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Even though I am an Argentina and Lionel Messi fan, I am first a Reggae Boyz fan. It made me sad when the Jamaican side did not qualify for the World Cup.

The good news for countries like Jamaica is that the number of teams for the next FIFA World Cup, to be held in 2026, will move from 32 to 48. The United States of America, Canada and Mexico, being host nations, will qualify automatically. Costa Rica, Jamaica, Panama and Honduras will battle for the next three spots.

I believe we should have qualified for the recently concluded World Cup. Jamaica finished sixth in the eight-team table in the final round. We could blame coaching, players, administration and also the Government.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness said he wants Jamaica to reach the next World Cup, so I hope he and his minister of sport assist the team in this journey.

I believe Jamaica has the talent to qualify for the World Cup. We are a nation with a large diaspora in the United Kingdom, which allows English players with Jamaican ancestry to play for Jamaica. I believe we should only recruit players from the English Premier League.

We also should recruit players a year or two before World Cup qualifiers, to build team chemistry.

PROUD JAMAICAN