Curaçao qualifies for 2026 World Cup as smallest nation ever

Curaçao secured a historic place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning Group B of the CONCACAF third-round qualifiers, becoming the smallest nation by population and area to qualify. The team finished unbeaten in the group with 12 points, including a 7–0 victory over Bermuda.

By Daniel McKee1 min read

Curaçao qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by winning Group B of the CONCACAF third-round qualifiers. The team secured the top spot with 12 points from six matches.

The nation's population of 156,115 and area of 444 square kilometers made it the smallest country to qualify for a World Cup finals. It surpassed Iceland's record set in 2018.

Curaçao achieved a 0–0 draw against Jamaica on the final day of qualifying to clinch the group. The team remained unbeaten throughout the campaign under coach Dick Advocaat, who missed the final match due to personal reasons.