Curacao: How a tiny Caribbean island defied the odds to become the World Cup’s smallest nation (opens original article in a new tab)

Curacao, a small Caribbean island, qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a decade-long effort to recruit players with Curacaoan heritage, culminating in a dramatic last-minute victory against Jamaica.

• Curacao, a Caribbean island with a population of 150,000, qualified for the 2026 World Cup through a strategic effort to recruit players with Curacaoan heritage.
• The team's qualification was marked by a dramatic last-minute VAR decision that allowed them to avoid defeat against Jamaica.
• Curacao's manager, Dick Advocaat, emphasized building a foundation and embracing the team's passion, while the Dutch Football Federation pledged to invest in Curacao's football structures.