The World Cup has always been a theatre where underdogs script unforgettable stories. Iceland stunned the world in 2018 as the smallest nation ever to qualify. Cape Verde recently joined the group of tiny footballing nations punching above their weight. And now, another unlikely contender stands on the brink of rewriting football history—Curaçao.
With a population of only 156,000 and a land area of 444 square kilometres, Curaçao could soon surpass Iceland as the smallest country to ever reach the World Cup finals. Their remarkable dream gained significant momentum on Friday night in Hamilton, where they thrashed Bermuda 7–0, placing themselves just one step away from an unprecedented qualification.
All they now require is a draw against Jamaica on 19 November, a result that would seal their place among football’s elite for the first time.
Recent Match Record
| Opponent | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Bermuda | Curaçao 7–0 | Hamilton |
Curaçao grabbed global headlines in March 2023 when they faced world champions Argentina in a friendly. Although they suffered a heavy 7–0 defeat, the match significantly increased their international visibility and highlighted their commitment to developing football.
Located just north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, Curaçao competes in the CONCACAF region despite being geographically close to South America. The nation is composed of two islands—Curaçao and the uninhabited Little Curaçao. Once part of the Netherlands Antilles, the country has been a self-governing constituent state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands since 2010. Dutch, English, and Papiamento are widely spoken.
A major architect of their current rise is veteran manager Dick Advocaat, who previously coached the Netherlands national team, Rangers, and Sunderland. Despite their small population, Curaçao boast players with experience in top European leagues. Among them is Jordy Pauliña, formerly of Borussia Dortmund, who scored twice in the win over Bermuda.
Now, with just one match standing between them and sporting immortality, Curaçao are preparing for what could be the most significant moment in their footballing history—a chance to become the smallest nation ever to play in a World Cup finals.