Much of the Caribbean has only a recent soccer history. As most were under colonial rule for much of the 20th century, their independent soccer history has been one they have had to cultivate from scratch. However, for some, lightning strikes and they’re able to put it all together to put their team—and their country—on the world football map. Such was the case with Jamaica in the 1998 World Cup cycle. It’s where the team truly made their nickname “The Reggae Boyz” one known around the world.
Jamaica’s soccer history began with them being a part of the United Kingdom.