Khadija Shaw Returns to Lead Reggae Girlz in World Cup Qualifier
KINGSTON, Jamaica– In a major boost for Jamaica’s World Cup hopes, star striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has been recalled to the Reggae Girlz squad for their crucial qualifying match against Dominica this Saturday in Saint Lucia.
Jamaica star striker Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw has been recalled to the Reggae Girlz squad for their upcoming World Cup Qualifier against Dominica.The highly anticipated return of the 28-year-old forward was confirmed by head coach Hubert Busby during a virtual press conference on Monday.
Shaw last featured for the national team in a pair of friendlies against South Africa in late 2024.
Shaw’s inclusion comes as she is in scintillating form for her club side, Manchester City.
She is currently the leading scorer in England’s Barclays Women’s Super League, having netted six goals and provided two assists in nine matches, propelling City to the top of the table.
Her absence from recent Jamaican squads was attributed to a carefully managed recovery from injury and subsequent discussions between Busby, the player, and Manchester City concerning her workload.
“Shaw is a top professional,” Busby stated, expressing confidence that the team’s captain will reintegrate seamlessly despite her prolonged absence from the national setup.
The path continues with an away fixture against Nicaragua on March 2, 2026, followed by home games against Antigua & Barbuda and Guyana in April.
The ultimate goal is to top their group and advance to the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Championship. That tournament will serve as the direct route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with four teams earning automatic qualification.
A further two nations will advance to an inter-confederation playoff.
Additionally, the Concacaf Championship will offer two berths for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Full Reggae Girlz Squad
Goalkeepers: Rebecca Spencer, Sydney Schneider
Defenders: Konya Plummer, Naya Cardoza, Tianna Harris, Chantelle Swaby, Mia Mitchell, Jaileah McPherson
Midfielders: Tiffany Cameron, Atlanta Primus, Olufolasade Ademolekun, Israela Groves, Drew Spence, Deneisha Blackwood
Forwards: Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw, Natasha Thomas, Jody Brown, Ricshya Walker, Shania Hayles, Kalyssa Van Zanten, Shaniel Buckley.
