Andre Blake Vows to Lead Jamaica to World Cup Qualification

Kingston, Jamaica — Reggae Boyz Captain Andre Blake is determined to lead Jamaica to their second-ever World Cup appearance. Speaking at a Jamaica Football Federation press conference ahead of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers against Bermuda, Blake said he is ready to do “whatever it takes.”

The goalkeeper has been a key player for the national team since his first call-up in 2010 and his debut in 2014. With 89 appearances under his belt, he was appointed captain in 2017. His accolades include winning the Caribbean Cup in 2014 and finishing as runner-up in multiple tournaments, including the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2015 and 2017.

“All I want right now is to make my teammates proud, make my nation proud, and make the fans proud,” Blake said. “I think Jamaica deserves this. I’m not just doing this for myself; I’m doing it for my teammates and my country.”

Jamaica’s only World Cup appearance came in 1998 in France. With the goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Blake acknowledged that there is much work to be done following a disappointing 0-2 loss to Curacao last week.

The Reggae Boyz currently sit second in Group B with six points, trailing Curacao, who lead with seven. “We know what needs to be done to advance,” Blake said. “We’re going to go for it because we think the country deserves it.”

Jamaica will face Bermuda tonight at the National Stadium at 7 p.m. In their last encounter, Jamaica secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Bermuda. Meanwhile, Curacao will host Trinidad at Ergilio Hato Stadium at 6 p.m., after their previous matchup ended in a scoreless draw.