Reggae Boyz Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson and star winger Leon Bailey share confidence that Jamaica have a great opportunity to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Hallgrimsson, who was part of the coaching staff for the Iceland team when they qualified for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, said he was aware of the long journey ahead of the team but believes the 2026 renewal to be hosted by Concacaf nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — is an achievable target.

Bailey agreed with the coach and said with the three hosts already qualified, it opens up a big opportunity for the Jamaican team.

Both men were speaking at Sunday’s post-match press conference after Jamaica played out a 2-2 draw against Mexico at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, but the Boyz were knocked out of the next stage of the Concacaf Nations League.

Hallgrimsson said the goal was not to just get back to the World Cup.

“I think we can do good things in the World Cup in 2026…We are just starting our journey. Now we have to try to find players, to select players who we want to have on the bus on this long journey to 2026, and this is like the beginning for us the coaches.”

Bailey, the Aston Villa player who was playing at the Azteca for the first time, said it was a realistic dream to qualify for the next World Cup. “It most definitely is. I think we will have a big opportunity to, you know, make the next World Cup. And with US, Canada, Mexico being qualified it’s a huge opportunity for us and we’re gonna make the most of it.”

Like the coach, he struck an air of caution. “We still have a long way to go. Today we can take a lot of positives from the game [as] I think today was a good showing from both teams and we showed a lot of character, which we were lacking in a long time. I think today we really could have came up with something but was unfortunate we came up with a draw.”

Bailey added: “It was my first time being in this stadium [and] I think it was an incredible atmosphere. I think the fans showed great spirit to cheer their team on and, you know, that’s a heavy support and I feel like it helped them a lot. It was a great atmosphere to be playing under and today was one of them [that] were bittersweet for us that we came up with a draw, but we are still we’re still looking forward.”

Meanwhile, Hallgrimsson said Sunday’s draw is the foundation for a lot of things going forward.

“That was one of the reasons I wanted to coach Jamaica. [It] was because I think there is a lot of talent in Jamaica, a lot of talented footballers,” Hallgrimsson said. “Now we have to create a team that can work together as one. And this is my first official match but we are just starting a long journey. We are trying to improve a lot of things, trying to change a lot of things — it will take time,” he said.

“I have to be patient and Jamaica has to be patient, but given the quality of the players I think we can be very, very good.”