Curacao Become the Smallest Nation Ever to Reach the World Cup

Historic Qualification

Curacao have made history by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the men’s World Cup.
The Caribbean island, with a population of only 150,000, confirmed their place after a 0–0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston.
They break Iceland’s 2018 record and complete one of the biggest surprises in modern international football.

The draw ended Jamaica’s campaign and led to the immediate resignation of head coach Steve McClaren, who stepped down moments after full-time.

VAR Drama in the Last Seconds

The match finished with huge drama.
In stoppage time, Jamaica were given a penalty when Jeremy Antonisse was judged to have fouled Isaac Hayden.
But VAR asked for an on-field review, and the referee overturned the decision.
Jamaica needed the win. Curacao needed only a point — and they held on.

Curacao finished qualifying unbeaten with seven wins from 10 matches, securing one of CONCACAF’s surprise World Cup spots.

Advocaat Makes More History

Their coach, Dick Advocaat, aged 78, will become the oldest manager ever to lead a team at a men’s World Cup.
He was not on the touchline in Kingston for personal reasons, but his impact on the squad over the last year has been clear.
Curacao will now join Haiti and Panama as World Cup debutants at the 2026 tournament.

What It Means for the Island

Curacao’s qualification has sparked celebrations across the island, with thousands gathering in Willemstad.
For a nation with fewer people than many small towns, reaching the World Cup is a huge boost for sport, tourism and national pride.

The team will now prepare for their first-ever World Cup appearance — and one of the greatest underdog stories the tournament has ever seen.