Curaçao, the least populated among the 42 qualifying teams, is a tiny Caribbean island with around 186,000 residents.
This marks the first World Cup qualification for the national team, which has previously participated in numerous Gold Cups, notably reaching the quarterfinals in 2019. Their best finishes in this event occurred in 1963 and 1969 when they secured third place.
Path to Qualification:
Curaçao topped Group C in the second round of the CONCACAF qualifiers, and also led Group B in the third round to earn their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Throughout the ten matches spanning both rounds, they went undefeated, boasting seven victories and three draws.
World Cup Group Stage Schedule:
- June 14th: Curacao vs Germany — Houston Stadium (1 p.m. ET)
- June 20th: Curacao vs Ecuador — Kansas City Stadium (8 p.m. ET)
- June 25th: Curacao vs Ivory Coast — Philadelphia Stadium (4 p.m. ET)
Group E: Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador | 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Group E will feature Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador.
Previous World Cup Matches:
- First-time World Cup participants
Key Players for Curaçao at the World Cup:
L’Angelo Djanga is the top scorer in the team’s history and has played in various leagues across the Netherlands, Belgium, Slovakia, Cyprus, and Kazakhstan, accumulating significant points in CONCACAF competitions. Leandro Bacuna brings his wealth of experience from top European leagues, having played in the Premier League and Championship with clubs like Aston Villa and Cardiff City before moving to the Eredivisie and Turkey. Their combined international experience and club backgrounds form a crucial part of Curaçao’s roster heading into the tournament.
Curaçao’s Coach:
Dick Advocaat became the coach of Curaçao in 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a long coaching career that included managing the Dutch national team and various clubs, such as PSV, Rangers, and Zenit, where he notably won a league title and the UEFA Cup in 2008.
Curaçao’s All-Time Top Scorers:
- L’Angelo Djanga: 21 goals (active player)
- Aradipou Omonoes and others have also been significant contributors.
Curaçao All-Time Cap Leaders:
- Leandro Bacuna: 68 caps (active player)
- He has played for clubs like Groningen, Aston Villa, and Cardiff City, among others.
Curaçao’s Team Nickname:
About the Island:
- Population: Approximately 185,000
- Capital: Willemstad
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Fan Take: Curaçao’s historic first World Cup qualification is a thrilling milestone not just for the team but for soccer fans globally, showcasing the growing diversity within the sport. Their underdog status could inspire other small nations, proving that talent and determination can lead to remarkable achievements on the world stage.
