Curacao, the smallest nation participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026, is preparing to make history as the Caribbean island attracts global attention with its remarkable journey to football’s biggest stage.
With a population of around 158,000 people, Curacao has emerged as one of the tournament’s most intriguing stories. The team’s qualification campaign and unconventional preparations have turned the island nation into one of the most talked-about participants ahead of the competition.
Located in the Caribbean, Curacao secured its place at the World Cup after an impressive qualifying campaign in which the team remained unbeaten across 10 matches. During that run, it finished ahead of regional rivals including Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
Unconventional Training and Travel
Unlike many international teams that rely on state-of-the-art facilities, Curacao’s players are known for training in natural surroundings. Team members regularly conduct barefoot sessions on beaches, combining football drills with exercises on sand.
The team’s travel arrangements have also drawn attention. Players are often seen travelling in an aging school bus, adding to the underdog image that has captured the imagination of football fans worldwide.
Strong Dutch Connection
A significant number of Curacao’s squad members were born in the Netherlands but are eligible to represent the Caribbean nation through family heritage. The arrangement has helped the country build a competitive team despite its small population.
Another notable figure is head coach Dick Advocaat, who at 78 years old is set to become the oldest coach in FIFA World Cup history.
Although Curacao currently sits 82nd in the FIFA rankings, the team enters the tournament with growing confidence and hopes of extending one of football’s most inspiring underdog stories on the global stage.
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