Curacao With Just 150,000 Population Makes History as Smallest Nation to Qualify for 2026 World Cup
Caribbean minnows Curacao secure World Cup debut, coached by 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, with Dutch-born talent bolstering the squad.
- Curacao becomes the smallest nation in World Cup history, population just 150,000.
- Coach Dick Advocaat, 78, will be the oldest manager at the tournament
- Squad includes Dutch-born players, unbeaten in 7 of 10 qualifying matches
The Caribbean island of Curacao has written its name into football history, becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, after drawing with Jamaica in their final qualifying match.
With a population of just 150,000 and a land area of 171 square miles, Curacao surpasses Iceland’s 2018 record for the tiniest country to reach the tournament. Former England coach Steve McClaren resigned as Jamaica boss after his side, needing a win to qualify for the first time since 1998, were held to a goalless draw, including a late penalty overruled by VAR.
Curacao, which only became a separate country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010, has seen a remarkable rise in football. Ten years ago, the nation was ranked 150th in FIFA; today, they are 82nd. The expanded 2026 World Cup format, featuring 48 teams, has helped pave the way for their historic debut.
Dick Advocaat, the 78-year-old Curacao coach, will become the oldest manager in World Cup history, surpassing Otto Rehhagel’s record from 2010. Advocaat, a Dutch football legend, only took charge after resolving a payment dispute between players and the national association and immediately targeted World Cup qualification.
Midfielder Juninho Bacuna, who played in the English Championship and Premier League, described the achievement as “incredible and amazing.” He also highlighted the personal significance of representing Curacao alongside his older brother, national captain Leandro Bacuna.
Curacao’s squad largely comprises Dutch-born players with family ties to the island, including Joshua Brenet, Ar’jany Martha, Sontje Hansen, and Tahith Chong. Their blend of international experience and homegrown talent has been central to their success.
Throughout the 2026 qualifying campaign, Curacao remained unbeaten, winning seven of ten matches, demonstrating their rapid rise from underdogs to a formidable team on the global stage.
