SOCCER
The surprising reason Michail Antonio won’t be playing for Jamaica against the USMNT
Jamaica’s head coach Steve McClaren has confirmed that Michail Antonio and Leon Dixon will miss Monday’s Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal against the United States.
Michail Antonio’s absence deals a major blow to Jamaica as they face the United States in a decisive Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal at Citypark in St. Louis. The West Ham United forward, along with Leon Dixon, was ruled out after both players lost their passports, leaving it too late to secure U.S. work visas.
Antonio, who has scored five goals in 21 appearances for Jamaica, also missed the first leg of the tie—a 1-0 loss—due to suspension. The Reggae Boyz must now attempt to overturn the deficit without their leading striker.
“Antonio and Dixon lost their passports, and it was too late to replace them and obtain visas to travel to the U.S.,” McClaren, the former Manchester United assistant manager, explained when discussing his squad’s lineup for the second leg.
Jamaica looks for lifeline amid challenges
The Jamaican squad, still reeling from a winless Copa América campaign, has found some rhythm in the Concacaf Nations League with a four-game unbeaten streak before their first-leg loss to the United States. Knocking out the tournament favorites on their home turf would mark a major turnaround for Jamaica’s fortunes on the big stage—though they’ll have to do it without Antonio and injured defender Ethan Pinnock.
Key players like Demarai Gray and Leon Bailey are now tasked with leading Jamaica’s offensive charge. A single Jamaican goal could upend the match’s dynamic, turning the pressure onto the heavily favored U.S. team.
With the stakes high, Monday’s match promises a gripping showdown as the underdogs seek to rewrite the odds against one of Concacaf’s strongest teams.
This article was written by Victor Martin J., translated with the assistance of AI and edited by David Nelson.
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The article above was written by Victor Martin J., translated with the assistance of AI and edited by David Nelson.