Mason Greenwood stance on Jamaica, national team's new comment and squad opinions on him
Jamaica are one win away from booking their place at this summer's World Cup but whether Mason Greenwood will be watching from afar is still unclear. They will take on DR Congo on Tuesday night (10pm) after overcoming New Caledonia in the semi‑finals.
Much has been made of whether the former Manchester United forward will go on to represent Jamaica, following reports that he obtained his passport last September. There had been anticipation he would join the squad for the first time during the World Cup qualifiers against Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda.
However, ESPN reported (via Foot Mercato) that he had yet to complete the change‑of‑association form required to represent Jamaica and had not agreed to be called up for those matches.
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According to Jamaica head coach Rudolph Speid, Greenwood is yet to decideon his international future.
Jamaica president commentsLast November, Jamaican FA president Michael Rickettssaid the federation hoped to have him available for the 2026 World Cup playoff campaign. But months later, nothing has changed.
"Initially, he seemed delighted that his paperwork was finally in order," Ricketts said. "When we sent it to him and I asked for his opinion, he told me it was a family decision not to make himself available at the moment."
'Expected him to join'Former Jamaica head coach Steve McCLaren admitted they expected Greenwood to join the national team back in September. "We acquired a passport and we expected him to be coming to this camp but in a conversation with his family, he's not going to commit at this time to anybody," he said at the time.
"He's taking his time over that, so it's a little bit disappointing. We probably have to be more patient, but we will keep the contact, we will keep pursuing him because I know from my conversations with Mason and his family that he loves Jamaica, respects Jamaica.
"He wants to concentrate on club football and not commit to an international team at the present moment. We have to respect that however much we've worked hard to get him here for these camps. So, who knows in the future."
Senior players' 'disagreement'Former Newcastle United midfielder Isaac Hayden said he 'can’t see why' Greenwood or any player who skipped earlier qualifiers, should now be allowed to join the national team.
"I've only played for Jamaica for a year, and there was some resistance to me when I started, but I have played 12 games and everyone can see my passion and the way I play the game," Hayden said. "I give everything on the pitch, and I wanted to be there to help Jamaica progress to the World Cup.
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"They want to have the best team on the pitch, but I said it to the JFF: 'If a player is not willing to commit for the last round of qualifying, unless they're injured, I do not see why they should be joining the group in March or at the end of the season if we qualify.' There is no way that should be allowed to happen."
Hayden went on to argue that Greenwood's late inclusion would undermine the team's integrity. "The quality of the player, his numbers, what he is producing, is of the highest level," he admitted.
"But it comes down to principle and integrity. If players can just rock up because of a World Cup, it would make the whole thing a farce. That would say a lot about the player, and the organisation for allowing that to happen."
Defender Amari'i Bell echoed Hayden's concerns, adding: "Many of us for years have put our blood, sweat and tears into playing for the nation, with a lot of things happening in the background. We've had to deal with all that.
"It wouldn't seem fair to people who have been through that whole process and will never get another chance to play at a World Cup. It's a bit controversial."
He also added that the squad would need a group discussion before any new player came in. "Definitely, especially when it's a World Cup," he stated. "You want good vibes and good energy around the squad.
"You wouldn't want any distance between any players."
Ex-player 'welcomes' returnMeanwhile, former Jamaica international Frank Sinclairwould like to see Greenwood represent the Reggae Boyz. He said: "I myself was in a situation where I decided to play for Jamaica when they qualified for the 1998 World Cup. That's when I was asked to play. I hadn't been asked to play during the qualifiers and in the end, Jamaica will make a decision that will allow them, if they qualify for the World Cup, to give their best.
"They might have the opportunity to recruit him once they get there, but they still have a lot of work to do to get there. From a purely footballing perspective, the answer is obvious: yes, absolutely [Jamaica needs Greenwood back]. His footballing qualities would significantly strengthen the Jamaican team. But it goes beyond that. Many people don't share the same opinion about him as a person.
"It all depends on what Jamaica wants to do to create a culture within the national team. It's a difficult question. From a purely footballing perspective, yes, of course, you want Mason Greenwood on your team. At the same time, there are things in the world that are more important than football, and it's a difficult question to answer. The nation, the players, and the staff would have to accept and support him 100%, because many people will try to sabotage him.
"It's not simply a matter of dual nationality; you can now play for Jamaica. Representing Jamaica involves much more than that."
'Obsessed with representing England again'Mirror Football previously reported that the player was 'obsessed' with representing England again but Thomas Tuchel confirmed in September that the player isn't in his thoughts.
At the time, the head coach said: "I have not spoken to him until now. I have not spoken to him or his camp. My understanding was that he tries to play for Jamaica so we didn't give it another thought. He was not in the mix at the moment and he is not in our thoughts for our team."