Curacao, a tiny Caribbean island with just 158,000 residents, has etched its name into football history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Blue Wave secured their maiden World Cup berth with a thrilling 0–0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston, surpassing Iceland’s record from 2018 as the smallest nation by population to reach football’s grandest stage.

An Unforgettable Campaign

Under the guidance of veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, Curacao dominated CONCACAF qualifying with a blend of tactical discipline and attacking flair. Despite Advocaat missing the decisive match due to a family emergency, his influence was evident throughout the campaign. Curacao topped Group B with 12 points, highlighted by a staggering 7–0 thrashing of Bermuda – the largest victory in the qualifying ro

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