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Curaçao, a small Caribbean island nation, created history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. On 18 November 2025 the team secured a 0‑0 draw against Jamaica in the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers, finishing top of Group B with 12 points and remaining unbeaten. With a population of around 156 000 and an area of just 444 km², Curaçao becomes the smallest country ever to reach the men’s World Cup finals.
Background
Curaçao lies in the southern Caribbean Sea roughly 60 km north of Venezuela. It forms part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands but enjoys internal self‑government. The main island covers 444 km² and includes the uninhabited Klein Curaçao. Its capital is Willemstad, and the official languages are Dutch, Papiamentu and English. The island was colonised by Spain and later the Dutch West India Company; it later became the hub of the Netherlands Antilles. When the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved in 2010 Curaçao became an autonomous country within the Dutch kingdom.
Football is one of the island’s passions. Curaçao is a member of CONCACAF and FIFA and has gradually improved its performance. The national team, coached by Dutch veteran Dick Advocaat, entered the 2026 qualifiers as an underdog but delivered consistent results. By drawing with Jamaica they not only qualified but also surpassed the record previously held by Iceland as the smallest nation to reach a World Cup.
Road to qualification
- Group performance: Curaçao topped Group B with three wins and three draws, accumulating 12 points. They defeated Panama and Haiti and drew twice with Jamaica. A solid defence conceded only two goals in six matches.
- Homegrown talent and diaspora: The squad includes players of Curaçaoan heritage who were raised in Europe, particularly the Netherlands. This blend of local and diaspora talent strengthened the team’s competitiveness.
- Coaching stability: Under Dick Advocaat’s guidance, the side adopted a disciplined, counter‑attacking style. Advocaat could not attend the final match due to a family bereavement, but his assistants ensured continuity.
- Impact on national pride: Qualification sparked celebrations across the island. Small Caribbean nations rarely advance to the World Cup; Curaçao’s success offers inspiration to other small football associations.
About Curaçao
- Geography: The island is largely flat with limestone terraces and a natural harbour at Schottegat. Its climate is semi‑arid, and trade winds bring some rainfall.
- History: Before European colonisation the island was inhabited by Arawak peoples. Under Dutch rule Curaçao became a major centre of trade and is home to the oldest continuously practising Jewish community in the Western Hemisphere. Autonomy arrived in 2010 when the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved.
- Economy: Curaçao’s economy relies on tourism, financial services, oil refining and transshipment. The port of Willemstad and the Curaçao International Airport provide regional connectivity.
Significance
Curaçao’s qualification underlines football’s global reach and the benefits of long‑term investment in youth development. For the 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the team will join giants of the sport on the world stage. Their journey is a reminder that even small nations can achieve big dreams through planning, diaspora engagement and community support.
Source: ESPN · Source: ESPN · INDIA TODAY