Mason-Clark: It's mad to be so close to a World Cup
Andre Brooks and Ephron Mason-Clark discuss their Jamaica debuts in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament and collision with Congo DR for a World Cup place.
Andre Brooks and Ephron Mason-Clark will long remember their baptism of fire with Jamaica. Fresh from receiving Jamaican passports that opened the door to their first call-ups to the national team, the two players quickly made their debuts in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Play-Off Tournament on Thursday.
The Caribbean side had to defeat New Caledonia to keep their North American dream alive, and while the mission was accomplished in a 1-0 victory, it was a struggle.
“They really made it tough for us,” said Brooks to FIFA. “We scored one in the first half, but we needed that extra one to kill the game off. But obviously we've got the job done in the end, so I’m proud of the team.”
Delighted to have worn Jamaican colours for the first time, Brooks shared his joy by calling his mother just minutes after the final whistle. “My family lives in Sheffield (England)," said the 22-year-old. "My mom, my sister, my aunt and my cousins all watched the game. They must be proud of me."
On the field, the Reggae Boyz at times lacked cohesion. New faces to integrate and only two training sessions to get to know each other could explain some of the frustration.
“We received a lot of information [from the staff] in a very short time, but most of the players are used to this kind of situation at their own clubs,” said Mason-Clark.
Nevertheless, the Coventry City man would not trade this play-off opportunity in Guadalajara for the world. "This is what makes playing football so worthwhile," he added. "You get to experience different cultures and climates, that's the beauty of playing football across the world."
Now the Reggae Boyz are just 90 minutes away from a historic World Cup qualification. “It’s a mad feeling,” said Brooks. “Obviously, as a kid, that's what you dream of playing in, so hopefully on Tuesday we get the job done.”
Facing a very solid Congo DR side, Jamaica will have to bring their A-game and avoid being paralysed by the stakes. “We just have to take it day by day,” said Brooks. “We know it’s going to be a tough game, but I think we can do it."
“It would mean a lot to qualify for the World Cup,” said Mason-Clark. “Jamaica is a small nation on the map. The culture that Jamaica has throughout the whole planet is just amazing, and to be a part of something that could be so special is a blessing in itself.”
If the blessing continues and the Reggae Boyz beat the Leopards on Tuesday, they would once again experience the unique thrill of a World Cup, 28 years after their last appearance at France 1998. That, too, is something that Brooks and Mason-Clark might remember for a long time.