Jamaica’s road runs through Mexico, twice. Interim head coach Rudolph Speid has named a 23 man squad for the Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against Mexico, with the first leg at the National Stadium in Kingston on November 14 and the return leg in Monterrey on November 17, according to The Jamaican Blogs.

The prize is bigger than a semifinal place. The winner of the tie also qualifies automatically for the 2027 Concacaf Gold Cup, according to The Jamaican Blogs.

Blake Two Caps From History

Captain Andre Blake leads the squad, and this window carries a personal milestone. Blake has made 98 appearances with 33 clean sheets for Jamaica, and two appearances in this window would make him the eighth player in Jamaica history to reach 100 international caps, according to the Philadelphia Union, his club.

Blake is joined in goal by Amal Knight and Jahmali Waite. Jamaica host Mexico on November 14 at 8:00 PM Eastern before travelling for the November 17 second leg at 9:30 PM Eastern, according to the Philadelphia Union.

Continuity, One New Face, One Return

Speid has kept faith with his core, retaining 16 players from the October international window, according to The Jamaican Blogs. Rotherham United defender Denzel Hall is the only player receiving his first senior national call up.

Mount Pleasant forward Warner Brown earns a return to the national setup after an extended period away from international football, according to The Jamaican Blogs.

Speid made no secret of the size of the task. “Mexico are really a good team, but a positive result against them is very important,” he said, according to The Jamaican Blogs. The home leg, in front of a Kingston crowd, is where Jamaica must build their advantage before the Estadio BBVA return.

The Full Squad

Goalkeepers: Andre Blake, Amal Knight, Jahmali Waite.

Defenders: Christopher Ainsworth, Miguel Freckleton, Denzel Hall, Richard King, Joel Latibeaudiere, Damion Lowe, Kyle Ming, Ronaldo Webster.

Midfielders: Karoy Anderson, Courtney Clarke, Brandon Cover, Tyrese Hall, Kevon Lambert, Dwight Merrick.

Forwards: Khori Bennett, Warner Brown, Tyreece Campbell, Renaldo Cephas, Kaheim Dixon, Javon East.

Squad list according to The Jamaican Blogs.

The National Stadium on November 14 is the stage. A positive result at home, a captain closing on a century, and a Gold Cup place riding on 180 minutes against the region’s giants.

Nation, can this 23 take a lead to Monterrey, and who is your first name on the team sheet for the home leg?

Photo: Andre Blake in action for the Philadelphia Union. Photo: Wikimedia Commons