Curaçao will become the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup, both in population (about 156,000) and land area (171 square miles), when they debut at the 2026 tournament. The team, a Fifa member since 2011, qualified unbeaten in 10 matches, benefiting from a Concacaf format that avoided the United States, Mexico and Canada as hosts.
Goalkeeper Eloy Room highlighted key qualifying results: a 5-1 win over Haiti, a goalless draw with Trinidad and Tobago, and a 2-0 home victory against Jamaica followed by a 0-0 draw away. “I think God was with us that night,” said captain Leandro Bacuna, 34, reflecting on the Jamaica game. “It was a story written for us.”
At 78, Dick Advocaat will be the oldest coach in World Cup history, surpassing Otto Rehhagel (71 in 2010). Advocaat initially stepped down in February 2025 to care for his ill daughter, with Fred Rutten taking over. However, after his daughter’s condition improved, Advocaat returned following Rutten’s voluntary exit, reportedly amid sponsor pressure.
Curaçao face a tough group with Germany, Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador. Room said: “We want to continue playing possession-based football from the back, but we will have to adapt. Still, we have to stick to our own strengths.”
Key players include captain Leandro Bacuna, a former Aston Villa midfielder who remains hugely popular locally, often helping with team logistics. Livano Comenencia, a Juventus youth product now at FC Zürich, scored a crucial goal against Jamaica. Defender Juriën Gaari provides steady presence at the back.
