Curacao make history as smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup

Curacao have made history by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, securing their place after a goalless draw with Steve McClaren’s Jamaica in Kingston.

The result ended Jamaica’s hopes of returning to the tournament for the first time since 1998 and led to McClaren’s resignation. Curacao, with a population of just over 150,000 and a land area smaller than the Isle of Man, take the record previously held by Iceland in 2018.

Head coach Dick Advocaat, who missed the match for personal reasons, will become the oldest manager to appear at a World Cup at 78. Curacao’s rise has been remarkable. A decade ago, they were ranked 150th by FIFA, yet they will arrive at the expanded 2026 tournament ranked 82nd and unbeaten in their 10 qualifying matches, winning seven.

Their dream was almost shattered in stoppage time when the referee awarded Jamaica a penalty, but VAR overturned the decision, sparking relief among Curacao’s players and supporters. They will join fellow debutants Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Jordan at the finals.

Haiti and Panama also secured qualification through the CONCACAF route, with Haiti returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

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