Reggae Boyz striker Shamar Nicholson believes the current national senior men’s team has the potential to surpass the historic squad that qualified for the World Cup in France in 1998.

Despite high expectations since 1998, Jamaica have failed to qualify for football’s greatest showpiece in over 25 years. However, there is a strong belief that the 2026 World Cup presents Jamaica with its best opportunity yet with the current group of players. Their chances are also boosted by Concacaf giants USA, Canada, and Mexico not participating in qualifying due to their host status.

Nicholson, who currently plays for Clermont Foot in France’s top division, is confident in the current team’s abilities but wants more as they chase history.

“Everyone talks about the 1998 team as the best since they qualified for the World Cup in France, the highest level in the world. It remains the best generation but some observers say that we perhaps have more talent. But it’s not talent that takes you far, it’s mentality, character,” he said in an interview with Ligue 1 journalist Arnaud Di Stasio.

The Reggae Boyz are in high spirits as they prepare to play in the semi-finals of the Concacaf Nations League against the USA later this month. Nicholson was pivotal in their qualification as his three goals across the two legs helped beat Canada in the quarter-finals on away goals,.

He believes the victory is one of the most important for Jamaica in recent times.

“In the Concacaf zone, we achieved some results but no one took us seriously. In recent years, we have still managed to beat Mexico, the United States…But yes, Canada is one of the best selections in the region. They finished ahead of Mexico and the United States in the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup. Achieving what we achieved in Toronto means that we will be taken more seriously, but it is only the beginning,” Nicholson said.

The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in the squad since his debut in 2017 but has had stronger competition within the last few years due to the introduction of West Ham United forward Michail Antonio. There has also been overseas additions to the team including Demarai Gray who has impressed since joining last summer.

Despite claims from the public that a lack of harmony exists due to the United Kingdom-born players and the locally born players, Nicholson says the team chemistry is excellent due to their similar backgrounds.

“We all have a common culture which allows us to create alchemy in selection. Jamaican culture is about having fun, having fun…We like to sing, dance, make jokes…A bit like in Africa. All the players in the selection are on the same wave length and the new ones integrate very quickly,” he said

“Like others, Michail Antonio was not born in Jamaica but he has the same culture as us, he understands the vibe and we showed him love. We all get along very well. Even the players who are substitutes enjoy coming to the selection because the atmosphere there is incredible,” Nicholson added.

He’s also hailed the impact of Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson who has been in the job for almost two years.

“He’s a European coach and, personally, I’ve been playing in Europe for several years so his ideas don’t surprise me. It may be different for players who have never left Jamaica but I haven’t encountered the slightest problem with him and, since he took office, I understand very well what he wants to put in place,” Nicholson said.

The late Luton Shelton holds the title as Jamaica’s all-time leading scorer with 35 goals but Nicholson, who has 16 goals in 46 appearances, hopes to be the country’s leading marksman in a few years.

“The record holder, Luton Shelton, is a true legend. Everything he has done for our country is incredible. May he rest in peace but one day I would like to surpass him and be the top scorer in the selection,” he said.

The Reggae Boyz take on the USA on March 21, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for the semif-inal of the Concacaf Nations League but will be without Nicholson due to suspension. However, there is a possibility he could still play in the final or the third-place match set for March 24.