Curacao set to become smallest nation ever at 2026 World Cup

Curacao will make history as the smallest nation by size and population to compete in a FIFA World Cup.

A Caribbean island with Dutch roots Curacao, a small yet stunning Caribbean island, blends a strong Dutch cultural influence with deep pride in its own heritage. Though often recognized for its namesake alcoholic beverage, the island is about to achieve global fame in a different way. Curacao is on the verge of entering World Cup history as the tiniest nation—both in land area and population—to ever participate in the tournament. Smaller than the Isle of Man and home to just 158,000 people, it remains part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands without full independence. ## Joy spreads across the island The national team’s qualification has sparked overwhelming joy and pride throughout Curacao. Gilbert Martina, the president of the Curacao Football Federation (FFK), described the emotions as indescribable and noted the entire island is now painted in blue. The squad includes 26 players, with only one—forward Tahith Chong—born on the island, while the rest hail from the Netherlands. Curacao was placed in a tough Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast. Thousands of 'Blue Wave' supporters are expected to attend their World Cup debut in Houston, with some even taking same-day charter flights from Curacao. ## Captain speaks on World Cup mission Captain Leandro Bacuna emphasized the team’s focus ahead of their first match against Germany on Sunday at 18:00 BST. He said fans often see Curacao as a group known for celebration and music, but once the referee blows the whistle, their sole priority becomes securing a positive result. This shift reflects a new competitive mindset under the team’s leadership. Bacuna added that the squad aims to prove a small island can have a big heart and compete at the highest level. ## Dick Advocaat to make record-breaking debut At 78 years old, manager Dick Advocaat is set to become the oldest head coach in World Cup history. His arrival in 2024 marked a turning point for Curacao, instilling a winning mentality and professional approach. The team advanced through qualifying undefeated, with seven wins and three draws, though Advocaat missed the final match against Jamaica due to family commitments. Assistant Dean Gorre took charge for that game, describing the immense pressure and national significance of the moment. ## From Dutch youth stars to Curacao heroes Eighteen players in the current squad have represented the Netherlands at youth levels, with two—Riechedly Bazoer and Joshua Brenet—earning senior caps. The transformation from a locally based team to one largely composed of diaspora players began with the appointment of high-profile Dutch managers starting with Patrick Kluivert in 2015. Goalkeeper Eloy Room became the first squad member to play for Curacao that year, followed by midfielder Leandro Bacuna in 2016. Bacuna stated, 'We’ve done something so nice for Curacao. I started this journey 10 years ago and wanted to make the people from Curacao proud.' ## Bacuna brothers fulfill lifelong dream Juninho Bacuna, who has played for clubs like Huddersfield, Rangers, and Birmingham, joined Curacao in 2019. He shared that as children, he and his brother Leandro dreamed of playing together for Curacao, aiming to make their parents and the island proud. He said, 'That’s why I decided early on to play for Curacao so I could be with him in one team, make my parents proud, make the island proud.' Their connection to the island strengthened over time, driven by the love and support they felt from its people. ## Rapid rise of Dutch-born talent Fifteen players in the current squad made their Curacao debuts since 2023, including Tahith Chong, who played for the Netherlands up to under-21 level before switching last year. Juninho Bacuna explained that many Dutch-based players had never considered representing Curacao but now feel a strong emotional bond. He noted, 'They feel the love from the people, they feel everything from the island, so the connection got stronger and stronger for them.' The importance of the diaspora—roughly the same size as Curacao’s population—shapes the team’s identity and approach. ## Curacao’s unique non-independent status Curacao is one of only six non-sovereign nations to qualify for a World Cup, remaining part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands alongside Aruba and Sint Maarten. The others are England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, as well as the 1938 qualifiers Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia). Islanders hold Dutch passports and were part of the Netherlands Antilles until 2010, when Curacao gained its own national team identity. Despite decades of supporting the Dutch national team, the focus has now shifted entirely to Curacao. ## Heart and pride define Curacao’s identity Boudino de Jong, co-founder of digital partners Profound and a native of Curacao, stated that the diaspora’s connection to the island is deeply rooted. He said, 'Even if a player is not born here, they feel an extreme connection and identify as Curacaoan.' The team’s slogan, 'small island with big heart,' reflects their belief in fighting above their weight on the global stage. Juninho Bacuna added, 'We just want to show the world that we are a small island but we have got a big heart, belief and a lot of talent.' ## Advocaat’s leadership changed everything Curacao FA president Gilbert Martina credited two key factors for their success: the arrival of Dick Advocaat in 2024 and improved financial stability. He explained, 'A high-quality coach, like Dick Advocaat, it creates a ripple effect, it creates a belief. He prepared the mindset and the mentality that the team has to learn to play for results instead of playing for fun.' The team’s unbeaten qualifying run included seven wins and three draws, showcasing their new competitive edge under Advocaat’s guidance. ## Pressure and family at historic qualifier Dean Gorre, assistant coach and former player, described the immense pressure of leading Curacao’s crucial qualifier against Jamaica—a match that secured their World Cup spot. He said, 'The pressure is high because all of a sudden you’re in charge of something that everybody’s looking at from the whole island. If we would have lost, it would have been on me, and that’s the biggest pressure.' His son, Kenji Gorre, a 31-year-old winger in the squad, shared the unique experience of playing while his father coached the team during such a historic moment. ## Advocaat’s temporary exit and return Advocaat stepped down in February to care for his ill daughter but returned after Fred Rutten’s brief tenure ended in losses. Rutten acknowledged player and sponsor pressure to bring Advocaat back, saying his family situation had improved. The team lost 4-1 to Scotland in a warm-up match but bounced back with a 4-0 victory over neighbors Aruba. Advocaat’s assistant Gorre noted the players’ strong familiarity with his voice and style, saying, 'The players are used to his voice, to his style, and grew together with him in a special way.' ## Island turns blue in celebration Curacao’s qualification has sparked unprecedented national pride, with buildings, cars, and streets adorned in blue. Boudino de Jong called it 'one of the biggest deals ever for the island,' predicting increased tourism and investment. He recalled the final qualifier celebration where traffic stopped and people poured into the streets in massive unity. De Jong stated, 'I think that was just the start of what we’re going to see in the coming matches. I know of a lot of people are coming to the island because they want to experience the games together with all the Curacaoans here on the island.' ## Martina sees nation-building impact FFK president Gilbert Martina said the team’s success is driving national pride and unity across Curacao. He observed, 'You see the blue wave decoration on buildings. You see cars with flags, you see cars wrapped in blue. So it’s a huge impulse for pride and nation building.' The squad’s goal is to advance to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams. Martina added that the team’s aim is to show the world the power of belief and resilience, no matter the size of the nation. ## Family pride drives the Bacuna brothers Juninho Bacuna reflected on the immense pride his family feels after qualifying for the World Cup. He said, 'The day I decided to go play for Curacao, they were proud because my mum and dad are both from Curacao.' He continued, 'When we qualified for the World Cup, they were speechless. They could see both sons playing on the biggest stage of football for the island where they were born.' The journey has become a legacy for future generations, reinforcing the family’s deep ties to Curacao. ## A story of hope for generations Kenji Gorre described Curacao’s World Cup journey as 'a story of the impossible being possible' and a source of hope. He said, 'This is a story that will go on for generations in the Gorre family, as well as the world of Curacao.' The team’s achievement has inspired pride not just in the present but for the future of the island. Forward Gorre added, 'This will be a story that I can get to tell my kids and the grandkids.' The moment represents more than a sporting feat—it’s a cultural milestone for Curacao.