History was made on November 18, 2025, as Curaçao, a tiny Caribbean island with a population of just over 156,000, secured its place on soccer’s grandest stage—the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With its hard-fought 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston, Curaçao became the smallest nation ever by population to qualify for the men’s World Cup, surpassing Iceland’s remarkable run in 2018. The achievement sent ripples of excitement not only across the island but throughout the footballing world, as the team’s improbable journey reached a new, dizzying height.
The qualification campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. Curaçao’s path to glory began in the opening group phase, where they topped the likes of St. Lucia, Aruba, Barbados, and Haiti. The final round saw them drawn into a tough quartet with regional heavyweights Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bermuda. But Curaçao, undaunted by their underdog status, rose to the occasion. A resounding 7-0 demolition of Bermuda on November 14 set the tone, while a crucial 2-0 victory over Jamaica earlier in the campaign—sealed by a goal from winger Kenji Gorré—proved pivotal in the group standings.
By the time the final whistle blew in Kingston, Curaçao had done enough to finish atop the group. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The final match was a tense, nervy affair, with Jamaica hitting the woodwork three times in the second half. In stoppage time, the home side was awarded a penalty—a moment that could have shattered Curaçao’s dreams—but the decision was overturned after a dramatic video review. Relief and jubilation swept through the Curaçao camp as they clung to the point that would guarantee their place in history.
Much of Curaçao’s success can be attributed to its innovative approach to squad building. The team leaned heavily on its Dutch connections, actively recruiting from its diaspora. Most of the squad was born and raised in the Netherlands, with only one player, Tahith Chong—now at Sheffield United—born on the island. In fact, the starting lineup for the decisive match was made up entirely of Dutch-born players. FIFA’s eligibility rules allowed Curaçao to bring in five players who had previously represented the Netherlands at youth or Under-21 level since August 2025, including defender Joshua Brenet, who once played a World Cup qualifier for the Netherlands back in 2016.
“It’s an impossibility that is made possible,” Kenji Gorré told The Guardian. “It’s literally impossible for such a small island, such a small 150,000 population, and now to go to the biggest pinnacle of football is unbelievable.” Gorré’s pride was palpable as he reflected on sharing the moment with his family, many of whom still live in Curaçao. “To experience going to the World Cup with my dad being the coach and my dad leading us to the World Cup, it’s something that was only a dream. … Even just for my family, like my mum, who is from Curaçao, and her mum, my grandma, they’ve got so much family in Curaçao as well that I’m just proud. And that just does something to my soul.”
Manager Dick Advocaat, a storied Dutch coach with a résumé spanning ten different national teams, has been instrumental in Curaçao’s transformation. Advocaat took charge in early 2024 after expressing interest when other candidates declined. His experience—having led the Netherlands to the 1994 World Cup quarterfinals and managed South Korea in 2006—brought a new level of professionalism and belief to the squad. Juninho Bacuna, one of Curaçao’s key midfielders, credited Advocaat for the change in mentality and preparation: “Preparations, more professionalism. And on the pitch, it’s more like, ‘We need to get a result, we need to win games, and if we don’t win, make sure you don’t lose.’”
Advocaat, now 78, missed the historic match in Jamaica to care for his ill wife, but he watched from afar and sent his congratulations afterward. According to The Athletic, he texted the team, “Congrats. Incredible, fantastic, so good! What an adventure.” If he leads Curaçao at the World Cup next summer, he’s set to become the oldest coach in tournament history—unless Romania, coached by 80-year-old Mircea Lucescu, manages to qualify through the playoffs.
Players from Curaçao’s squad ply their trade at a variety of clubs around the world, from Rotherham in England’s third tier to Bandırmaspor in Turkey and Abha in Saudi Arabia. Former Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna, now at Bandırmaspor, and his brother Juninho, currently with Gaziantep in Turkey’s top division, bring valuable experience. Gorré, who plays for Maccabi Haifa in Israel, and Chong, who came through Manchester United’s academy, are among those who’ve benefited from the blend of Dutch footballing education and Caribbean pride that defines this team.
Advocaat’s impact extends far beyond tactics. “He’s been fantastic,” Gorré said. “As soon as he came in he brought a lot of experience with him. For him to believe in us and believe in our dream as well just shows also the potential that he saw, and I’m just really grateful that he said yes to the job and trusted his feeling on it. Now we’re walking in the destiny of what we’ve called.”
Curaçao’s qualification comes as part of a broader regional surge. On the same dramatic night, Haiti punched its ticket to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, sparking wild celebrations in Port-au-Prince. Panama, meanwhile, secured its second consecutive World Cup appearance after a 3-0 win over El Salvador, with goals from César Blackman, Eric Davis, and Jose Luis Rodriguez. The 2026 tournament, to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature an expanded 48-team field, offering more nations the chance to shine on the world stage.
The Caribbean and Central American qualifiers have also set the stage for a fiercely competitive intercontinental playoff in Mexico this coming March. Six teams—Jamaica, Suriname, Iraq, Congo, Bolivia, and New Caledonia—will battle for the final two World Cup spots, ensuring the drama is far from over.
For Curaçao, the journey to the World Cup is more than just a sporting achievement—it’s a testament to the power of dreams, diaspora, and determination. As the smallest nation ever to qualify, Curaçao will arrive in North America next summer as true trailblazers, ready to test themselves against the world’s best. The footballing world will be watching. Will they spring another surprise? Only time will tell, but for now, the island is basking in the glow of a history-making moment that will inspire generations to come.
