In one of the most remarkable stories in football history, the tiny Caribbean nation of Curacao has defied all odds to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time, simultaneously becoming the smallest country by population ever to achieve this feat.
Historic Night in CONCACAF
The dramatic qualification unfolded on Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) as Curacao secured the 0-0 draw against Jamaica they needed to book their spot in world football's premier tournament. Despite being reduced to 10 players, Jamaica was awarded a stoppage time penalty that could have shattered Curacao's dreams, only for VAR to intervene and overturn the decision, preserving the historic result.
Curacao's achievement is even more extraordinary given they accomplished it without their coach Dick Advocaat on the bench. The 78-year-old Dutch manager, who previously led the Netherlands national team in three separate stints and managed South Korea, Belgium and Russia, missed the crucial match due to family reasons that required him to return to the Netherlands last weekend.
Record-Breaking Achievement
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics in Curacao, the country has a population of just 156,115 people as of last January, making their qualification a record-breaking accomplishment. They surpass the previous record held by Iceland, which had a population of just over 350,000 when they qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Curacao finished as the only undefeated nation in their qualifying tournament and topped Group B with 12 points. After the final whistle, wild celebrations erupted in the stands, with jubilant fans eventually spilling onto the pitch to celebrate with their heroic players.
CONCACAF Companions
Curacao will be joined by two other CONCACAF nations who also secured their World Cup spots on the same dramatic night. Panama advanced to their second World Cup after defeating El Salvador 3-0 with goals from Cesar Blackman, Erick Davis and Jose Luis Rodriguez. The Panamanians finished atop Group A with 12 points, having previously appeared only in the 2018 Russia World Cup.
Meanwhile, Haiti produced a surprising campaign to win Group C over favourites Honduras and Costa Rica. The troubled Caribbean country secured their qualification with a 2-1 victory over Nicaragua, with Loicious Deedson opening the scoring in the ninth minute and Ruben Providence adding another goal in the 45th. This marks Haiti's first World Cup appearance since their lone previous trip to Germany in 1974.
The 2026 World Cup will feature a record 48 teams and be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The three host nations automatically qualify, while 43 additional teams will earn places through continental qualifying tournaments, with another two spots determined through intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March in Mexico.
