Curaçao at the FIFA World Cup 2026

History

Curaçao is making its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2026, representing a historic debut. The island nation, with a population of just over 150,000 and an area of 443 square kilometres, is the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a World Cup, surpassing the previous record held by Iceland (population approximately 350,000) at the 2018 tournament. Curaçao only became a separate constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010, and their football federation gained FIFA membership shortly thereafter. A decade before qualification they were ranked around 150th in the world. Their rise to 82nd in the April 2026 FIFA rankings reflects a remarkable transformation.

Qualification

Curaçao completed the CONCACAF qualifying campaign with an unbeaten record across all rounds, winning seven matches and drawing three in the final phase. In the Second Round they topped Group C with a perfect 4-0-0 record, beating Barbados, Aruba, Saint Lucia, and Haiti convincingly. In the CONCACAF Final Round they won Group B with 12 points (three wins, three draws) and secured one of the three direct berths. They scored 28 goals and conceded only five throughout qualification.

Preparation

Curaçao's historic first-ever FIFA World Cup campaign concluded on 25 June with a 0-2 group-stage defeat to Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Nicolas Pépé scored twice (7', 64') to eliminate the Blue Wave, who finished fourth in Group E with one point from three games (W0 D1 L2, GF1 GA9). Jürgen Locadia, previously doubtful with a knock from the Ecuador match, recovered and started the Ivory Coast game before being replaced by Brandley Kuwas. The island of roughly 155,000 people became the smallest nation ever to compete at a World Cup. Tournament highlights included Livano Comenencia's historic first World Cup goal for Curaçao against Germany (21') and goalkeeper Eloy Room's 15-save heroics in the 0-0 draw against Ecuador (tying the all-time single-game record). The global football community widely praised the team's spirit and competitive displays throughout the group stage.

Latest news

Curaçao PM Pisas honours the Blue Wave at Flag Day ceremony, launches 'nation building' push

· general

At the Flag Day ceremony on Brionplein, PM Gilmar 'Pik' Pisas honoured returning World Cup squad members, saying 'our flag was raised for the first time in history' and the players 'made the heart of an entire people beat in one rhythm'. He launched a 'nation building' push, urging the team's unity to carry into education, healthcare, the economy and communities.

Global football community praises Curaçao's historic World Cup debut campaign

· general

After elimination, the global football community praised Curaçao's first World Cup campaign. Social media celebrated Eloy Room's record-tying 15-save performance against Ecuador, Livano Comenencia's historic goal against Germany, and the squad's competitive spirit. Curaçao, the smallest nation by population ever at a World Cup, left admired for inspiring a nation and raising the island's profile.

Curaçao exit World Cup after 0-2 loss to Ivory Coast; finish Group E with one point

· matches

Curaçao's debut ended in a 0-2 defeat to Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia. Nicolas Pépé scored twice (7' assist Diomande, 64' assist Sangaré). Jürgen Locadia, previously doubtful, started, replaced by Kuwas; yellows for Juninho Bacuna (75') and Kastaneer (83'). Curaçao finished 4th in Group E: W0 D1 L2, 1 pt, GF1 GA9. Ivory Coast reached the round of 32 for the first time.

Locadia doubtful for Ivory Coast finale after picking up knock against Ecuador

· injuries

Jürgen Locadia sustained a knock in the closing stages of the Ecuador draw and came off the field. Curaçao remain hopeful he will be available against Ivory Coast, with Gervane Kastaneer on standby as backup. No suspensions for Curaçao ahead of the final group game.

Advocaat confident Curaçao can challenge Ivory Coast; Leandro Bacuna set for joint-record 75th cap

· general

Ahead of the Group E finale, coach Advocaat said: 'We're going to play to our strengths. We have to stay well organized, but we also need to pose a threat going forward.' Leandro Bacuna is set to earn a joint-record 75th international cap for the Blue Wave alongside goalkeeper Eloy Room, who also has 75.

Room's 15 saves earn Curaçao historic first World Cup point in 0-0 draw against Ecuador

· matches

Curaçao's first WC point: 0-0 vs Ecuador (Kansas City, 20 Jun). Room made 15 saves in 90 min (WC record since 1966; FIFA credited 16, tying Tim Howard's all-time mark). Ecuador had 75% possession, 26 shots. Five yellows: L.Bacuna 39', J.Bacuna 53', Comenencia 56', Gaari 75', Kastaneer 90+1' - all on suspension warning vs Ivory Coast. Room: 'I think I need a statue in Curaçao now.'

Bacuna brothers reflect on living a World Cup dream together with Curaçao

· general

Leandro and Juninho Bacuna spoke ahead of the Ecuador fixture about what it means to represent Curaçao together at the World Cup in Kansas City, describing it as fulfilling a lifelong aspiration. Both serve as senior leaders setting an example for younger teammates experiencing their first World Cup, and frame the tournament as a historic moment to inspire future generations.

Leandro Bacuna: Advocaat initially struggled with Curaçao football culture but eventually embraced it

· general

In an interview published on 20 June, Leandro Bacuna said Dick Advocaat 'really didn't understand the way we experience and live football in Curaçao' at first, but that the coach's perspective evolved and he came to grasp what the island's football means to its people. Bacuna called Advocaat 'truly a fantastic coach' and noted they kept in contact even after his first stint ended.

Curaçao lose 7-1 to Germany but Comenencia scores nation's first ever World Cup goal

· matches

Curaçao's World Cup debut at NRG Stadium, Houston ended 7-1 to Germany, but Livano Comenencia scored the nation's first ever World Cup goal with a left-footed strike in the 21st minute, cheered by 7,000 travelling fans. Germany replied through Schlotterbeck, Havertz (pen), Musiala, Brown, Undav and Havertz again. No Curaçao cards. Advocaat: 'This is not a disgrace. I think we can be proud.'

Curaçao holds open training at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton; fans pack the stands

· general

Hundreds of supporters turned out to FAU stadium in Boca Raton on 11 June to watch Curaçao train ahead of the Germany opener on 14 June. Goalkeeper Eloy Room said: 'It gives us energy to see so many people show up.' Tahith Chong added: 'I don't think the people back home are going to believe the crowd.' No fresh injury concerns were reported.

FIFA clears Locadia for World Cup; suspension cut to the single Aruba friendly

· general

After Curaçao appealed, FIFA cut Jürgen Locadia's ban for his violent-conduct red card against Scotland from three matches to one friendly. He had served it by missing the 6 June Aruba match, so he is eligible for all three group games, including the 14 June opener against Germany. Coach Dick Advocaat welcomed the ruling, saying a friendly red card costing a World Cup match would be unfortunate.

Curaçao sign off with 4-0 win over Aruba in final home friendly before World Cup

· matches

In their last home match before the World Cup, Curaçao beat neighbours Aruba 4-0 at Ergilio Hato Stadium in Willemstad. Goalless at the break, Curaçao took control after half-time with second-half goals from Joshua Brenet, Jeremy Antonisse and Livano Comenencia plus a stoppage-time strike from Juninho Bacuna. The suspended Jürgen Locadia missed the match.

FIFA yet to rule on Locadia red-card ban; Advocaat awaits clarity before Germany opener

· general

As of 5 June, FIFA had not issued a final ruling on the length of Jürgen Locadia's suspension for his violent-conduct red card against Scotland, leaving his availability for the World Cup opener against Germany uncertain. Coach Dick Advocaat said the federation was working with FIFA and hoped for clarity soon, pointing to a comparable Cristiano Ronaldo case that drew no ban.

FFK puts final tickets on sale for June 6 Aruba send-off; team then bases in Boca Raton

· general

The Federashon Futbòl Kòrsou put a limited final batch of tickets on sale for Curaçao's World Cup send-off against Aruba on Saturday 6 June at Ergilio Hato Stadium (8:00 p.m.), its last home game before the tournament. Jürgen Locadia is unavailable after his Scotland red card. The squad then departs Sunday for its World Cup base in Boca Raton, Florida, before opening group play against Germany.

Curaçao lose 4-1 to Scotland in World Cup warm-up; Locadia sent off

· matches

In their first pre-tournament friendly, Curaçao lost 4-1 to Scotland at Hampden Park, Glasgow. Tahith Chong put them ahead on 17 minutes (assisted by Armando Obispo), but Jürgen Locadia was sent off on 38 minutes for violent conduct after a VAR review. Scotland replied via Findlay Curtis, a Lawrence Shankland brace and a Ryan Christie penalty. Advocaat said his side did well until the red.

Squad

PlayerPositionClub
Eloy RoomGKMiami FC
Trevor DoornbuschGKVVV-Venlo
Tyrick BodakGKSC Telstar
Joshua BrenetDFKayserispor
Riechedly BazoerDFKonyaspor
Sherel FloranusDFPEC Zwolle
Armando ObispoDFPSV Eindhoven
Juriën GaariDFAbha Club
Roshon van EijmaDFRKC Waalwijk
Shurandy SamboDFSparta Rotterdam
Deveron FonvilleDFNEC Nijmegen
Leandro BacunaMFIgdir FK
Juninho BacunaMFFC Volendam
Livano ComenenciaMFFC Zürich
Kevin FelidaMFFC Den Bosch
Ar'Jany MarthaMFRotherham United
Tyrese NoslinMFSC Telstar
Godfried RoemeratoeMFRKC Waalwijk
Tahith ChongMFSheffield United
Jürgen LocadiaFWMiami FC
Brandley KuwasFWFC Volendam
Gervane KastaneerFWTerengganu FC
Kenji GorréFWMaccabi Haifa
Sontje HansenFWMiddlesbrough
Jearl MargarithaFWSK Beveren
Jeremy AntonisseFWAE Kifisia

Recent results

  • 2024-06-05 — CUW 4-1 BRB (qualification)
  • 2024-06-08 — ARU 0-2 CUW (qualification)
  • 2025-03-19 — KAZ 2-0 CUW (friendly)
  • 2025-06-06 — CUW 4-0 LCA (qualification)
  • 2025-06-10 — HAI 1-5 CUW (qualification)
  • 2025-09-05 — TRI 0-0 CUW (qualification)
  • 2025-09-09 — CUW 3-2 BER (qualification)
  • 2025-10-10 — CUW 2-0 JAM (qualification)
  • 2025-10-14 — CUW 1-1 TRI (qualification)
  • 2025-11-13 — BER 0-7 CUW (qualification)
  • 2025-11-18 — JAM 0-0 CUW (qualification)
  • 2026-05-30 — SCO 4-1 CUW (friendly)
  • 2026-06-06 — CUW 4-0 ARU (friendly)
  • 2026-06-14 — GER 7-1 CUW (group)
  • 2026-06-20 — ECU 0-0 CUW (group)
  • 2026-06-25 — CUW 0-2 CIV (group)

View Group E →