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Curaçao Qualifies for 2026 World Cup, Smallest Nation Ever to Reach the Men’s Tournament

An expanded field combined with a Netherlands‑rooted player pool powered the Caribbean country's breakthrough.

Overview

  • A 0-0 draw away to Jamaica sealed top spot in CONCACAF Group B, with Curaçao finishing unbeaten on 12 points.
  • With an official population of about 156,115, Curaçao becomes the least-populated nation to qualify, surpassing Iceland’s mark from 2018.
  • The decisive match featured two Jamaican shots off the woodwork, a stoppage-time penalty overturned by VAR, and a standout display from goalkeeper Eloy Room.
  • Head coach Dick Advocaat, 78, missed the clinching game due to family reasons, while the selected squad consisted entirely of Netherlands-born players eligible through Curaçaoan ties.
  • Cabo Verde also qualified as a debutant alongside Jordan and Uzbekistan, Haiti returned to the finals, and six World Cup places will be decided via intercontinental playoffs in March 2026.