Curacao become smallest-ever nation to qualify for World Cup
CURAÇAO, Willemstad – Curaçao became the smallest nation ever to reach a FIFA World Cup on Tuesday after a 0-0 draw with Jamaica secured top spot in Group B and capped an unbeaten Concacaf qualifying campaign for the Caribbean side.
Curaçao, with a population of just over 156,000, surpassed Iceland’s previous record from 2018 and advanced to their first World Cup after collecting 12 points from four matches. The team, led through most of the campaign by veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, progressed despite the 76-year-old missing the decisive match due to personal reasons.
The island nation’s run included a commanding 7-0 victory over Bermuda, underscoring their consistent defensive structure and efficient attacking patterns throughout qualifying. Advocaat, who previously managed the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium and Russia, has leaned on a compact midfield and quick transitional play to push Curaçao into unprecedented territory.
Curaçao will learn their group-stage opponents for the 2026 World Cup when the draw takes place on Dec. 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Panama also secured qualification, earning a 3-0 win over El Salvador with first-half goals from César Blackman and Erick Davis. José Luis Rodríguez added a late finish to send Panama to its second World Cup following their debut at Russia 2018. Panama topped Group A with 12 points, while Suriname – which entered the final day ahead on goal difference – slipped to second after a 3-1 loss to Guatemala.
Haiti completed the trio of automatic qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Nicaragua, sealing first place in Group C ahead of regional heavyweights Honduras and Costa Rica. Loicious Deedson and Ruben Providence scored before halftime as Haiti reached the World Cup for the first time since Germany 1974. Haiti finished with 11 points, two ahead of Honduras.
Jamaica and Suriname, both finishing second in their groups, claimed the two Concacaf berths for the inter-federation playoffs. They will join Bolivia, New Caledonia, DR Congo and Iraq in a six-team tournament in March that will determine two additional World Cup spots.
Curaçao’s qualification marks a milestone for both the nation and the region, highlighting the growing competitiveness across Concacaf and underscoring how tactical discipline and a well-structured development pathway can elevate even the smallest footballing nations onto the global stage.