Curaçao has made history in international football by becoming the smallest nation by population to qualify for the World Cup. The Caribbean island nation secured a 0-0 draw against Jamaica in their final qualifying match, finishing the tournament undefeated in Group B with 12 points. This achievement surpasses previous records held by Iceland and Cape Verde, making Curaçao the smallest population country to reach the prestigious tournament.
The team’s success is particularly noteworthy considering that head coach Dick Advocaat was absent for the match due to family reasons in the Netherlands. Despite this setback, the players demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork, ensuring their place in the World Cup. The nation’s population of just over 156,000 people adds to the significance of their achievement, as it highlights the growing competitiveness of smaller nations in global sports events.
Curaçao’s qualification also places them among the ten smallest nations by population to ever compete in the World Cup, a list that includes nations like Iceland and Cape Verde. This milestone underscores the ongoing evolution of international football, where teams from smaller populations are increasingly making their mark on the world stage. The accomplishment is a source of pride for the Curaçaoan people and could inspire future generations of footballers in the region.