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Curaçao wiht record qualification: Smallest nation for the 2026 World Cup!
Curacao was the smallest state to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Learn more about this historic success and its impact on the competition.
Curaçao wiht record qualification: Smallest nation for the 2026 World Cup!
Curacao has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, setting a historic record. With 156,115 inhabitants, Curacao is the smallest country to have ever qualified for a World Cup. The team secured top spot in Group B of CONCACAF qualifying after earning a crucial 0-0 draw against Jamaica, remaining unbeaten. Coach Dick Advocaat was unable to officiate the game for family reasons.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico, and Curacao will be one of the participants alongside Panama and Haiti. Panama secured their second World Cup participation after 2018 with a 3-0 win against El Salvador, while Haiti won Group C with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua and thus qualified. Haiti's last World Cup participation took place in Germany in 1974.
Context of qualification
Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which takes place from 2023 to 2026, includes 210 FIFA members, with Russia excluded. Eritrea withdrew without playing a game. A total of 3 to 5 spots are available in the CONCACAF region, which includes Curacao, in addition to the guaranteed spots for host countries Canada, Mexico and the United States. In addition to Curacao, Panama and Haiti have secured their tickets for the tournament.
In qualifying group B, Curacao was able to win an important point against Jamaica. A draw was enough to qualify, which ultimately proved to be the right strategy. Jamaica, on the other hand, suffered a defeat against Curacao, which had a decisive impact on their formation in the group.
Further developments in qualifications
In the fight for participation in the World Cup, the competition in qualifying was just as intense. Honduras suffered a setback after losing 2-0 to Nicaragua, while Costa Rica also fell out of the race for qualification with a 1-0 defeat to Haiti. In the final round of qualification, the teams Costa Rica, Haiti and Honduras still had the opportunity to qualify for the tournament.
With Curacao becoming the smallest country in history to purchase a World Cup ticket, the 2026 World Cup will be an unforgettable event for many - especially Curacao residents. The World Cup qualifiers have brought plenty of stories and twists, and the tournament in three North American countries promises both excitement and historic moments.
For further information on World Cup qualification see Vienna, [Eurosport]. Wikipedia.