When the FIFA World Cup returned to Mexico in 2026 it stirred memories of a journey that changed Jamaican football forever.

Forty years ago, in June 1986, Jamaica was rocked by devastating news from Mexico. Among those lost in a tragic bus accident were two of the country’s most respected football figures — Winthorpe “Jackie” Bell and Dennis Ziadie.

They had travelled miles to witness football’s grandest spectacle, united by their love for the game and their commitment to its growth in Jamaica. Alongside their friend, “Mr Chang”, they joined fans from around the world who had descended on Mexico for the FIFA World Cup.

What should have been the trip of a lifetime ended in tragedy.

After missing their scheduled flight, the men were forced to continue their journey by bus. Carl Chang would become the sole survivor of the accident that claimed the lives of Bell and Ziadie.

When news reached Jamaica that Sunday morning of June 22, 1986, the nation mourned. The loss extended far beyond football. It was a national tragedy that touched communities across the island. Hundreds gathered to pay their respects in what remains one of the largest funerals in Jamaican sporting history, a testament to the impact both men had on the lives of countless Jamaicans.

Yet 40 years later, Jackie Bell and Dennis Ziadie are remembered not for the manner in which they died, but for the way they lived. Both men dedicated their lives to football and to the development of young people. They believed in the power of sport to transform lives, build character, and create opportunities. Long before football became a pathway to international careers for many Jamaican youth, Bell and Ziadie were investing their time, energy, and resources into nurturing the next generation.

Jackie Bell was a respected football administrator, mentor, and one of the driving forces behind the growth and success of Santos Football Club, one of Jamaica’s most storied football institutions. Through his work with Santos, Bell helped strengthen a club culture rooted in discipline, pride, teamwork, and community.

Under his leadership and guidance, Santos became known not only for producing talented footballers, but also for developing young men of character and purpose. For Bell, football was never simply about wins, trophies, or results on the field. It was about giving young people a place to belong, a reason to believe in themselves, and an opportunity to grow.

His commitment extended beyond the touchline. He viewed football as a vehicle for opportunity and community development, helping countless young people find direction, confidence, and a sense of identity through the sport. Many who passed through Santos during that era carried with them not only the lessons of the game, but the values Bell helped instil — discipline, respect, perseverance, and pride.

Dennis Ziadie’s contribution to Jamaican football was equally significant. A respected player, coach, and mentor, Ziadie made an indelible mark through his work with St George’s College, one of Jamaica’s most respected schoolboy football programmes. At St George’s, he helped shape generations of young athletes, contributing to the school’s proud football tradition and its success in competitions such as the Manning Cup and Olivier Shield.

For many young men at St George’s College, Ziadie was more than a coach. He was a teacher, motivator, and guide. He understood that football could build discipline, confidence, leadership, and resilience. His impact extended far beyond the field, helping to mould young players into men who would carry those lessons into life.

Together, Bell and Ziadie represented a generation of football leaders whose passion and vision helped elevate Jamaican football during a transformative period in the sport’s history. Their influence extended far beyond the sidelines. They were mentors, administrators, advocates, and builders of the game. Their work helped establish a foundation upon which future generations of players, coaches, and football administrators would continue to build. The impact of their contributions can still be seen today and has never been forgotten.

“Jackie Bell and Dennis Ziadie were not just football men, they were nation-builders through sport,” said Bell’s widow Lorna. “They gave their time, their knowledge, and their hearts to the development of young people. Forty years later, the fact that we still speak their names with such respect says everything about the lives they lived and the legacy they left behind.”

For Jackie Bell’s youngest daughter, Tamika, the 40th anniversary carries a significance unlike any other.

On Father’s Day 2026, she attended her first-ever FIFA World Cup match at Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida, an experience made even more meaningful by the milestone anniversary of her father’s passing. For many football fans, attending a World Cup match is a dream fulfilled. For Bell, it was something more: It was a tribute. It was a connection. It was a journey that had come full circle.

In the days leading up to the match, Bell found herself reflecting on the experiences her father and his friends must have shared during their final journey.

“As I attended my first World Cup match on Father’s Day, I couldn’t help but think about my dad and Uncle Dennis,” Bell reflected. “Forty years ago, they travelled to Mexico to experience the same tournament that continues to unite the world today. Being able to attend a World Cup game felt incredibly meaningful. It was my way of honouring his memory and celebrating the legacy he left behind.”