Curaçao has made history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, marking it as the smallest nation by population ever to achieve this milestone in men’s soccer. With a population of roughly 156,000, Curaçao surpasses Iceland, which previously held the record with over 350,000 inhabitants when it qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
In an intense match on Tuesday, Curaçao secured a 0-0 draw against Jamaica, ultimately finishing at the top of a competitive four-team group that also included Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda. This qualification is particularly notable as the team has strategically recruited players from its diaspora, with FIFA granting eligibility changes for those who previously represented the Netherlands at youth levels. This includes five players who joined the national squad since August. Among them is defender Joshua Brenet, who once played in a World Cup qualifying match for the Netherlands in 2016.
Tahith Chong, a former Manchester United youth player, is one of the few players born in Curaçao, an autonomous territory that was known as the Netherlands Antilles until gaining autonomy 15 years ago. The team’s success can be attributed in part to their experienced coach, Dick Advocaat, 78, who will be leading his third team at a World Cup. Advocaat previously guided the Netherlands to the quarterfinals in 1994 and managed South Korea during the 2006 World Cup.
Curaçao’s squad is a blend of players from various leagues around the world, including those from Rotherham in England’s third tier and Bandırmaspor in Turkey’s second division. Notably, Advocaat was absent from the match in Jamaica due to family commitments, yet his team exhibited resilience, with Jamaica hitting the woodwork three times in the second half. A crucial penalty awarded to Jamaica in stoppage time was rescinded following a video review.
In addition to Curaçao, regional neighbors Panama and Haiti also clinched their World Cup spots on the same day. Panama celebrated its second World Cup qualification with a decisive 3-0 victory over El Salvador, building on their previous appearance in 2018. Haiti, which has faced numerous challenges, delivered a stunning performance by defeating Nicaragua 2-0 and topping their group, marking their first World Cup qualification since 1974.
The results from the Caribbean and Central America wrapped up the six teams set to compete in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico this March. Two teams will emerge from these playoffs to qualify for the World Cup, with participating teams including Jamaica, Suriname, Iraq, Congo, Bolivia, and New Caledonia.
Curaçao’s journey to the World Cup is a testament to the determination and talent emerging from smaller footballing nations, showcasing that passion and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements on the global stage.