Curaçao has made history by becoming the smallest nation by population to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The Caribbean island nation secured a 0-0 draw against Jamaica in their final qualifying match, ensuring their place in the tournament.
This achievement places them at the top of Group B with 12 points, marking their first-ever participation in the global football event. Notably, Curaçao finished the qualifying campaign unbeaten, a feat that has never been accomplished by a nation of their size.
Despite the absence of head coach Dick Advocaat, who was in the Netherlands for family reasons, the team’s performance has been hailed as a remarkable success. This milestone surpasses Iceland, which had previously held the record as the smallest population nation to reach the World Cup in 2018.
With a population of just 156,115, Curaçao’s qualification highlights the growing reach and competitiveness of football on the global stage. The team’s success has sparked celebration across the nation, with many hailing their achievement as a testament to the dedication and skill of their players.
Cape Verde, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history, also has a small population, ranking third in the list of the smallest nations ever to compete in the World Cup. The 2026 World Cup, hosted in the United States, will see an influx of fans, with President Trump announcing a ‘FIFA Pass’ visa system to facilitate their entry.