Curacao Becomes Smallest Nation to Qualify for World Cup

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Curacao has made history by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest nation ever by population to do so. The island nation secured its spot with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica on November 18, 2025, concluding the CONCACAF qualifying tournament.

With a population of just 156,115, Curacao surpassed Iceland, which qualified in 2018 with a population of over 350,000. Curacao finished atop Group B of the qualifying rounds with 12 points, remaining unbeaten throughout the campaign, recording a significant 7-0 victory over Bermuda as part of their journey.

Managing Curacao is Dick Advocaat, who could not attend the match due to personal reasons. The 78-year-old will now be the oldest coach to lead a team in World Cup history, breaking the previous record held by Germany’s Otto Rehhagel in 2010.

Curacao, which became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010, has grown significantly in global football rankings in recent years. Ten years prior, they were ranked 150th but now sit at 82nd position according to FIFA.

The draw in Jamaica was a dramatic affair. Jamaica needed a win to earn their spot, and the match included a tense moment when the referee initially awarded a late penalty to Jamaica. However, the decision was reversed after a video review, allowing Curacao to hold on for the draw.

Curacao will learn its group stage opponents for the World Cup during a draw set for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. They will be joined in the tournament by Panama and Haiti, with Jamaica heading to an intercontinental playoff for another chance to qualify.

Midfielder Juninho Bacuna expressed the significance of this achievement, stating, “It’s incredible and amazing. Even a few years ago you would not even think about it. To be personally part of it and to make that dream come true would be incredible.”

Curacao’s qualification is a remarkable milestone not only for the players and coaches but also for the entire nation, which has a vibrant culture and strong ties to Dutch heritage.