Curaçao made history on Tuesday by becoming the smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the World Cup, after securing a 0-0 draw with Jamaica in a crucial qualifier. The Caribbean nation, with a population of just 156,115, finished the qualifying tournament undefeated, placing first in Group B with 12 points. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the country’s football history and sets a new benchmark for small nations in international football.
Curaçao’s historic qualification was made possible despite the absence of head coach Dick Advocaat, who missed the match due to family commitments in the Netherlands. The team’s success is a testament to the dedication and resilience of its players and coaching staff, who maintained their focus and discipline throughout the campaign. The draw against Jamaica was particularly important, as it secured their place in the World Cup while maintaining their undefeated record, a rare feat in international football.
The qualification also places Curaçao ahead of Iceland, which had previously held the record for the smallest population to qualify for the World Cup in 2018. At that time, Iceland’s population was 352,000. Curaçao’s achievement underscores the increasing competitiveness of smaller nations in global tournaments, demonstrating that size is not the sole determinant of success on the world stage.
Other nations with small populations, such as Cape Verde, also qualified for the World Cup for the first time in their nation’s history. Cape Verde, with a population of approximately 561,000, joins Curaçao as a testament to the growing strength of football in smaller nations. The success of these teams has sparked conversations about the potential for even more underrepresented countries to achieve similar milestones in the future.
This historic qualification is not only a triumph for Curaçao but also a moment for global football to recognize the diversity and representation of nations across the globe. The World Cup continues to be a platform where underdog nations can shine, inspiring new generations of players and fans alike.