KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Leon Bailey has recovered from injury and has been named in Jamaica’s 27-member squad to compete in the FIFA Intercontinental playoffs for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup later this month.
The 28-year-old winger suffered a series of muscular and hamstring injuries during his 2025-26 loan spell at AS Roma from Aston Villa, which led to him being absent from national duty.
However, interim head coach Rudolph Speid has chosen to include Bailey in their upcoming clash with New Caledonia on March 26 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Should they win, they will face DR Congo on March 31 for a spot in the World Cup.
As expected, Speid has made the bold decision to leave out several Jamaican star players, including Shamar Nicholson, Leicester City winger Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards, Charlton Athletic forward Kaheim Dixon, Wolverhampton Wanderers right back Dexter Lembikisa, and Mansfield Town midfielder Jon Russell.
Coventry City star Ephron Mason-Clark, Sheffield United winger Andre Brooks, and Tottenham Academy prospect Tyrese Hall are the newcomers to the squad after receiving their Jamaican passports.
REGGAE BOYZ SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Amal Knight, Jahmali Waite, Andre Blake.
Defenders: Ronaldo Webster, Amarri Bell, Richard King, Damion Lowe, Ethan Pinnock, Joel Latibeaudiere, Ian Fray, Kyle Ming.
Midfielders: Issac Hayden, Kevon Lambert, Karoy Anderson, Tyrease Hall, Kasey Palmer, Andre Brooks, Leon Bailey, Bobby Reid, Dwight Merrick.
Forwards: Bailey Cadamarteri, Jamal Lowe, Demarai Gray, Ephron Mason-Clark, Renaldo Cephas, Norman Campbell, Tyreece Campbell.
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