Spencer recalls Jamaica's remarkable 2023 World Cup run

Chelsea goalkeeper Becky Spencer has described Jamaica's 2023 Women's World Cup campaign as one of her greatest career highlights, detailing the financial hardships and on-pitch drama that made the Reggae Girlz' run into the round of 16 one of the tournament's defining stories.

Jamaica entered the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand having relied partly on a crowdfunding campaign — titled "Reggae Girlz Rise Up" and set up by midfielder Havana Solaun's mother — that raised $50,000 to help fund their participation. The Jamaica Football Federation had disbanded the women's team twice before, in 2008 and 2016, due to funding issues.

"We really defied the odds by qualifying," Spencer said. "And then when we actually got there, we had the group of death, which was Brazil, France, and then we had Panama."

Jamaica drew 0-0 with France in their opening match, a game in which star forward Khadija Shaw was sent off. They then beat Panama 1-0 before facing Brazil in the final group game, with legendary striker Marta widely expected to dominate proceedings.

Spencer earned the Player of the Match award after keeping a clean sheet against Brazil, facing eight shots on target. The 0-0 draw sent Jamaica through to the round of 16 and eliminated Brazil from the tournament.

"I don't think I've ever concentrated so much in a game before," Spencer said. "Everyone was just going for it; we defended literally for 90 minutes."

Behind the scenes, conditions were far from ideal. Spencer revealed that some players were relying on Uber Eats deliveries, with no protein shakes or recovery equipment provided at the team hotel.

"It just shows that if you've got a really strong bond within a team, that alone can take you a long way," she said.

Jamaica were eliminated in the round of 16 by Colombia, losing 1-0. Their story, however, had already captured global attention. A documentary film about the campaign, directed by two-time Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Trish Dalton, premiered at DOC NYC in August.

"It's bigger than football," Spencer said. "It's about a cultural shift as well. Making it totally against all odds. It was honestly amazing."

Spencer joined Chelsea in 2025 for her second spell at the club. She spoke ahead of Saturday's fixture against Birmingham City, a club she represented across almost 50 appearances in two separate stints.