Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup with a population of just over 150,000, have taken an unconventional approach to the tournament by allowing players to share rooms with their wives and girlfriends (WAGs) and encouraging sexual activity before matches for emotional support.
Team Doctor Advocates Intimacy for Emotional Wellbeing
Team doctor Suzanne Huurman said the policy is designed to reduce homesickness and bring tranquillity during the long tournament. "Players can stay with their team-mates in the same room and, when there are children, the family receives an additional room. It's something quite unique in national team football. Curacao is a small country, with a very cheerful, warm and family-oriented people, something that reminds me a lot of Brazil," she said.
Huurman added: "Yes, I believe sex helps, but perhaps more on the emotional side than for a direct physiological effect. In such a long tournament, having the family around reduces homesickness a little and brings tranquillity."
Financial Constraints Drive Family-Friendly Policy
The doctor explained that Curacao's limited financial resources compared to larger footballing nations also influenced the decision. "Many of our players do not play at the highest levels of world football. For many families, it would be too expensive to travel and stay for weeks in the United States on their own. The federation decided to assume this cost so that the players can have their partners and children nearby. Some would probably be worried or stressed," she said.
Curacao's World Cup Performance
Curacao stunned the world by equalising against Germany in their first-ever World Cup match, with Livano Comenencia scoring after 21 minutes. However, Germany eventually won 7-1 after a hydration break. The team then earned their first point with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, keeping their knockout stage hopes alive. Goalkeeper Eloy Room, who has over 1.1 million Instagram followers, has been a standout performer, supported by his partner Zo Room, who has nearly 800,000 followers.
Curacao face Ivory Coast in their final Group E match, where a win could see them leapfrog their opponents and potentially finish second in the group.
