Curaçao, a small Caribbean nation with a population of 156,115, has made history by qualifying for the World Cup for the first time. The team secured its place by finishing the qualifying tournament undefeated, a feat that has not been matched by any other nation. This marks a significant milestone, as it is now the smallest country by population to ever participate in the prestigious tournament. Prior to this achievement, the smallest population to reach the World Cup was Iceland, which qualified for the 2018 World Cup with a population of 352,000.
The qualifying campaign was a remarkable journey for Curaçao, as the team faced considerable challenges and showed exceptional resilience to reach the tournament. Head coach Dick Advocaat’s absence during the match against Jamaica, due to family reasons in the Netherlands, did not deter the team from its goal. The team’s performance has been a source of pride for the nation, symbolizing its growing presence in international football.
In addition to Curaçao, Cape Verde also qualified for the World Cup for the first time, making it the third-smallest population among competing nations. The qualification of these countries has sparked interest and excitement in the football community, as their participation brings fresh talent and energy to the tournament. However, these teams will face formidable challenges against some of the world’s top football-playing nations.
The World Cup qualification for Curaçao is not just a sporting achievement but also an opportunity to raise awareness and support for the nation’s football development. The team’s success serves as an inspiration for aspiring players and highlights the potential for smaller nations to compete at the highest level. As they prepare for the tournament, Curaçao’s team is looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to showcase its talent on the global stage.