Curacao, the smallest nation by population in FIFA World Cup history, has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming tournament. The Caribbean side, with a population of fewer than 200,000, confirmed the final selection on Tuesday, 19 May, marking a historic milestone as the country prepares for its first-ever appearance at the World Cup.
A notable inclusion in the squad is the presence of two brothers, Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna. Leandro Bacuna, a former Aston Villa midfielder, has been appointed captain of the side. He currently plays for Igdir FK in the Turkish second tier. His younger brother, Juninho Bacuna, also features in the squad. The 28-year-old midfielder is currently contracted to Dutch club Volendam.
Another significant addition to the squad is Tahith Chong, a former Manchester United academy player. Chong, aged 26, previously represented the Netherlands at youth level before switching international allegiance. He obtained Curacao citizenship in August and is now part of the national team setup. At club level, he plays for English side Sheffield United.
Curacao have been drawn in Group E of the World Cup. Their opening match is scheduled for 14 June against Germany. The group also includes Ecuador and Ivory Coast, presenting a competitive set of fixtures for the tournament debutants.
The full 26-man squad, organised by position, is as follows:
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Tyrique Bodak, Trevor Doornbusch, Eloy Room |
| Defenders | Riechedly Bazoer, Joshua Brenet, Roshan van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Deyovaisio Zeefuik, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, Shurandy Sambo |
| Midfielders | Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Kevin Felida, Ar’jany Martha, Tyrese Noslin, Godfried Roemeratoe |
| Forwards | Jeremy Antonisse, Tahith Chong, Kenji Gorre, Sontje Hansen, Jearl Margaritha, Brandley Kuwas, Jurgen Locadia, Gervane Kastaneer |
Curacao’s qualification for the World Cup represents a significant development for football in smaller nations. Despite their limited population, the squad includes several players with experience in European club football, particularly in the Netherlands and England. The inclusion of players who have switched international allegiance, such as Tahith Chong, reflects the country’s broader recruitment strategy within its diaspora.
As the tournament approaches, Curacao will begin their campaign against one of the strongest sides in international football, followed by matches against Ecuador and Ivory Coast. The squad announcement formalises their participation and sets the stage for their debut on the world’s biggest football platform.