Residing quietly as part of the Caribbean Islands sits a small autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Historically being colonised by the Dutch in 1634 Curaçao became a major cog in the Dutch West India Trading Company and played a huge part in the transatlantic slave trade. Curaçao, thankfully, has managed to move with the times. Slavery was abolished in 1863 and eventually in 2010 Curaçao became the autonomous region within the Kingdom of the Netherlands where it remains today.

Notoriety

Why are we focusing on this tiny island nation though? Well, miraculously, they have just become the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The autonomous region covers just 171 square miles and is home to just over 155,000 people. Beating Iceland’s record of being the least populated nation at a world Cup. Iceland has around 400,000 people, over double that of Curaçao. Further highlighting how small this Caribbean nation is.

It may come as a surprise but Curaçao have slowly been improving over the last few years. In particularly since playing under the name of Curaçao as opposed to the Netherlands Antilles. Since playing under the name of Curaçao the national football team has competed in four World Cup qualification campaigns and with the new World Cup structure expanded to 48 teams, there had never been a better opportunity. In the first three attempts the Caribbean islanders played six games per rendition. That’s 18 games, of which they won six, drew six and lost six. Not a bad record for such a small nation.

However, 2026 World Cup qualifying came around and the opportunity was not going to slip out of their grasp. This time playing ten games, winning seven, drawing three and losing none. An incredible record. Even more so when seeing Jamaica in the same group. On paper a stronger team and a bigger pedigree to perform on the bigger occasions. Jamaica was led, until his departure after the qualification, by Steve McClaren, former England head coach. Not to be deterred by names and pedigree Curaçao came out on the final game to hold Jamaica to a 0-0 draw and granting them a place at the 2026 World Cup. Not all is lost for Jamaica though, they have been placed into the inter-confederation play-offs, still with a chance to make it to the World Cup.

Some Familiar Names

But, is it a surprise? Yes, the nation is tiny but that doesn’t mean the crop of players is below par. Being within the Kingdom of the Netherlands the player pool is larger than expected. The majority of the current squad was born in the Netherlands but have ancestorial links to the islands. In fact, the current squad has a littering of ex-premier league players. Both Bacuna brothers have played in the premier league for Aston Villa and Huddersfield respectively. Jürgen Locadia plied his trade for Brighton in 2018 and Tahith Chong, the former Manchester United youngster has recently won his first couple of caps since switching allegiances. Chong is also the only member in the current squad that was actually born in Curaçao.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The New, Not So New FIFA Nation

The emergence of Curaçao as a footballing nation could have come sooner than this recent qualification cycle. Several high profile players for the Netherlands could have represented the island nation. The likes of Justin Kluivert, Jurriën Timber and Patrick Van Aanholt all passed up the opportunity, instead representing the Netherlands.

The Man In Charge

A dream qualification, a littering of top-quality players, other top-quality players that potentially could’ve played for the nation, all key ingredients to success. It doesn’t stop there though, the list of past head coaches in recent times is full of very successful names. Patrick Kluivert and Guus Hiddink both held the helm for the Caribbean nation, some would say they succeeded but it was nothing in comparison to what current head coach Dick Advocaat has achieved.

Taking charge in January 2024 Advocaat has been a revelation for Curaçao. The stability brought in by Advocaat has been key to the success, incorporating a more professional set up when compared to those before him and a style which he describes as ‘avoid defeat at all costs’. Maybe Advocaat himself is surprised by not losing a single game though. There are very few more experienced managers than Dick Advocaat, this is his 10th national team job, he has also been head coach of the Netherlands three times, this perhaps has led into his success.

Past Success

An accolade Curaçao can hold onto regardless of what happens in the future is being the last champions of the Caribbean Cup. Trinidad and Tobago are record champions with eight titles but the last rendition was held in 2017 with Curaçao lifting the trophy. Since then, the competition has been disbanded in favour of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Expectations?

So, what can we expect from Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup? Unfortunately, maybe not too much. Of course, they won’t be able to play a nation from their own confederation, which is disappointing as CONCACAF is one of the weaker confederations. It is unlikely they will overcome the giants from Europe or South America too, perhaps the best opportunity for points is one of the weaker Asian and African nations.

They aren’t alone in being first time qualifiers though, Cape Verde from Africa have qualified for the first time in their history, as have Jordan and Uzbekistan from Asian. With some luck there could be a couple more nations booking their first World Cup if Suriname and New Caledonia beat the odds to progress through the inter-confederation play-offs over the likes of Jamaica, Bolivia, Iraq and DR Congo. Although this would also be the first time that DR Congo has qualified since changing their name from Zaire.

Who knows? Maybe an upset is on the cards. Why not? Already defying the odds to make it to the World Cup, can Curaçao go one step further and actually produce some positive results at the tournament? With the current squad, the manager and the belief, anything is possible. Not just a small nation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, or just an island situated where fictitious pirates roam, but a footballing nation on the rise.

Written and Researched by BSc Cavan Campbell

READ NEXT: The Forgotten Champions League

Who Are Curaçao?

A Scottish Name, an African Rise: The Story of Scottland FC

The Inter-Confederation Play-Off Draw, What Should We Expect?