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Curaçao Reaches First World Cup, Sets Smallest-Nation Record

The 48-team expansion broadened access for smaller federations.

Overview

  • A 0-0 draw in Kingston secured Curaçao’s place, with players collapsing in relief and praying after the final whistle.
  • Curaçao’s population stands at 156,115 according to the national statistics agency, the lowest ever for a World Cup qualifier.
  • Haiti qualified with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua at the Ergilio Hato Stadium and will appear at the finals for the first time since 1974.
  • Haiti played all its qualifiers away from home because the Port-au-Prince stadium was occupied and heavily damaged by gangs in 2024.
  • Panama earned qualification with a 3-0 victory over El Salvador, celebrating a second World Cup appearance.