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Curaçao Reaches 2026 World Cup, Smallest Nation Ever to Qualify

A 0-0 draw in Kingston completed an unbeaten qualifying run for the island’s first World Cup berth.

Overview

  • The team topped CONCACAF Group B with 12 points and was the only unbeaten side in the group stage.
  • Official data lists Curaçao’s population at 156,115, setting a new record that surpasses Iceland’s mark from 2018.
  • Head coach Dick Advocaat did not manage the clinching match after returning to the Netherlands for family reasons.
  • Coverage of the campaign highlights VAR disputes, shots off the woodwork and key saves by goalkeeper Eloy Room.
  • Cabo Verde also qualified and is now the third-smallest World Cup nation by population, while Panama and Haiti clinched places from CONCACAF.