Curaçao has made history as the smallest nation by population to qualify for the World Cup after securing a 0-0 draw with Jamaica in their qualifying match. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Caribbean island, which has now joined a select group of countries that have made the leap to international football’s premier stage. The team’s performance in the qualification tournament was nothing short of exceptional, as they remained undefeated throughout the campaign, solidifying their place at the top of Group B with a total of 12 points.
Despite the absence of head coach Dick Advocaat, who was in the Netherlands for family reasons, the Curaçao team managed to maintain their unbeaten record. This is particularly notable as Advocaat’s presence is often seen as a key factor in the team’s strategy and performance. However, the players and coaching staff managed to step up to the challenge, ensuring that the nation’s ambitions for the World Cup were not jeopardized. The team’s success is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the entire squad and their support system.
The population of Curaçao, as reported by the Central Bureau of Statistics, stands at 156,115 as of January, making it the smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the World Cup. This surpasses the previous record held by Iceland, which had a population of 352,000 when it qualified for the World Cup in 2018. Cape Verde, another nation that has qualified for the World Cup for the first time in its history, ranks third in terms of population size among the smallest nations to have participated in the tournament. These achievements highlight the growing strength and global reach of football, with smaller nations making their mark on the world stage.
This historic qualification for the World Cup not only brings pride to the Curaçaoan people but also serves as an inspiration for other nations striving to achieve similar success in international sports. The team’s journey from qualification to the World Cup is a celebration of perseverance, teamwork, and national pride. As the team prepares for the next phase of their campaign, the focus will be on building on this success and making their mark on the global football scene.