Curacao Becomes Smallest Nation Ever To Qualify For Men’s World Cup

Curacao has made football history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after a 0-0 draw with Jamaica in Kingston, surviving a late overturned penalty to secure its first ever place at the finals. With a population of about 156 000, the island becomes the smallest country to reach the tournament, surpassing Iceland’s 2018 record.

The team, coached by 78-year-old Dutch veteran Dick Advocaat, draws heavily on its diaspora, recruiting players who once featured in Dutch youth squads. Curacao joins fellow debutants Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan, while Haiti returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.