Football
Di’Shon Bernard Aims to Lead Jamaica to 2026 World Cup Glory Under Steve McClaren
Former Chelsea and Man Utd player Di'Shon Bernard shares his ambition to lead Jamaica to the 2026 World Cup under new head coach Steve McClaren, bringing renewed hope for the Reggae Boyz after 26 years
Image Credits: Jess Hornby/Getty Images
Former Chelsea and Man Utd young gun Di'Shon Bernard is desperate to help Jamaica reach the 2026 World Cup.
The classy Sheffield Wednesday centre-back has established himself as a permanent fixture in the Reggae Boyz’ set-up since making his debut last year.
But you have to go back 26 years for the one and only time in Jamaica's history that they have qualified for the prestigious tournament.
The Reggae Boyz failed to progress from their group, finishing third behind Argentina and Croatia.
Bernard’s World Cup Dream
Canada, Mexico and the United States will co-host the World Cup finals in two years’ time, and Bernard told SportsBoom.com: “It would mean a lot to help get Jamaica to a World Cup. We have not been to a World Cup for over 20 years now so hopefully this is the year we do it.”
“We have got a lot of quality in the squad. We have got players who play in the Premier League and the Championship. We have got the quality to do it here. We just need to execute it on the pitch in every game and we will get there.”
“We have got a good set of players and good coaching staff behind us so I think this is our time to get there.”
Bernard, who signed a long-term deal with the Owls over the summer, loves nothing more than playing for his country.”
Pride in Playing for Jamaica
“It is a big honour to play for Jamaica,” he added. "I am always proud to put on the shirt.”
Both my parents are Jamaican. My dad was born and raised there. All my grandparents and most of my family are in Jamaica. It has always been a privilege for me to play for them. You see what it means to everyone when the fans come out to watch us play
Di’Shon Bernard
McClaren’s Impact
Jamaica recently appointed former England and Manchester United coach Steve McClaren as their new head coach.
McClaren boasts a wealth of experience, having previously managed Middlesbrough, Derby County (twice), Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers.
His first competitive match in charge ended in a goalless draw with Cuba in the CONCACAF Nations League.
Jamaica then travelled to Los Catrachos in Tegucigalpa to face Honduras, securing a hard-fought 2-1 win to give McClaren his maiden win and leave them joint-top of Group A.
“I worked a little bit with Steve at Man United before I left,” said Bernard. “He's a quality coach and has brought quality staff with him.”
“We have seen how training has changed. The standard of training has gone up. Everyone is working hard.”
“The vibes are good, and Steve has come in and given us that bit of professionalism. We are playing much better football now. He has got his ideas and hopefully we will be able to implement his style.”
“Steve knows it's a process. He wants me to be confident and keep performing at Sheffield Wednesday and hopefully bring it to the national team. Whenever I'm needed and called upon, I will always give it my best.”
“We had a good performance against Cuba and an indifferent performance against Honduras. Winning is the main thing for us. We want to qualify for the World Cup and that's the aim. Hopefully with Steve and the staff that he has brought in we can do that.”
Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.