Real World Cup ‘minnows’: smallest country ever to qualify for FIFA showpiece
The small Caribbean nation steps onto soccer’s biggest stage after a historic run through CONCACAF qualifying.
Curacao has become one of the unexpected newcomers in the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The nation of 185,489 people topped Group B with 12 points and will be on the world’s radar next year as it makes its first-ever appearance at a FIFA men’s World Cup.
Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda fell short, while Jamaica still has a chance through the international playoff for the final spot at the tournament to be held in the US, Mexico and Canada.
When did Curacao join FIFA?
Although the Curacao federation was founded in 1921, it did not join FIFA until 1932, and its first international tournament ended with a third-place finish behind Costa Rica and El Salvador. In 1946, the country hosted an official competition to mark the federation’s 25th anniversary; Aruba, Suriname, Colombia’s Junior and Feyenoord took part, with the hosts lifting the trophy. Its golden era arrived in the 1950s, when Curacao became one of the strongest sides in the region – highlighted by a gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games – yet political issues and internal problems kept it from reaching a World Cup at the time.
The team’s best results include two third-place finishes at the CONCACAF Gold Cup, in 1963 and 1969. Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup now stands among the federation’s greatest achievements.
Curacao team today
The players have been central to earning a place at the 2026 World Cup. The current roster includes:
- Goalkeepers: Eloy Room, Leandro Merencia, Trevor Doornbusch
- Defenders: Shurandy Sambo, Jurien Gaari, Roshon van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Ar’jany Martha, Riechedly Bazoer, Armando Obispo and Joshua Brenet.
- Midfielders: Godfried Roemeratoe, Juninho Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna, Tahith Chong, Tyrese Noslin, Kevin Felida
- Forwards: Jürgen Locadia, Jeremy Antonisse, Jearl Margaritha, Gervane Kastaneer, Kenji Gorré, Sontje Hansen
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