A History-Making Night in Kingston
On 18 November 2025, the Caribbean island of Curacao etched its name into football history. A 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston was enough to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ‘the first time the nation of fewer than 160,000 people had ever reached the tournament. In doing so, they became the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a men’s World Cup.
Led by legendary Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, “The Blue Wave” needed only a point to secure their place. Jamaica, under Steve McClaren, required a win to reach their second World Cup after France 1998. In sweltering conditions at the National Stadium, Curacao held firm, securing a scoreless draw that sent a nation of just 160,000 people into ecstatic celebration.
From the Dutch Antilles to Independence
Curacao’s footballing journey is as unique as its political history. Before 2010, the island was part of the Netherlands Antilles, alongside Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. When the Netherlands Antilles dissolved, Curacao inherited the old entity’s FIFA membership ‘and its ranking of 151st in the world.
Their first official match as an independent national team was a 1-0 friendly defeat to the Dominican Republic in August 2011. Their first victory came three months later, a 3-0 win over the US Virgin Islands. From those humble beginnings, reaching a World Cup seemed a distant dream.
The Dutch Connection
The Curacao national team has become something of a project for legendary Dutch football figures. Former Ajax and Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert managed the side in two spells ‘first between 2015 and 2016, and later as caretaker in 2021. Guus Hiddink, the iconic former PSV, Real Madrid, and Chelsea manager, also took charge from 2020 to 2021.
Dick Advocaat, who has managed the Netherlands national team on three separate occasions, signed a one-year deal with Curacao in January 2024. The 77-year-old brought his vast experience ‘spanning five decades and club football across seven countries ‘to guide this unfancied side through CONCACAF qualifying.
The Squad: Players with British Flair
Many of Curacao’s squad have connections to British football. Juninho Bacuna (Birmingham City) and his brother Leandro Bacuna, Tahith Chong (Luton Town), and Ar’jany Martha all bring experience from English football. The blend of Dutch-developed technique with Caribbean passion has given Curacao a distinctive identity ‘one that has proven difficult to break down.
What Are Their Chances?
FIFA ranks Curacao 83rd in the world, making them the second-lowest ranked team at the tournament ahead of only New Zealand (85th). Drawn into a challenging group, the odds remain firmly against them progressing beyond the group stage.
But for a nation that has never before tasted World Cup football, simply being on the plane to the United States is a triumph. Their opening fixture will be watched by millions back home, where streets will be painted in the vibrant blue that gives the team its nickname. Whatever happens on the pitch, Curacao has already made history.
Source attribution: Based on reporting by Dan Long for Sky Sports.
