Curacao Makes History by Qualifying for World Cup: An Unforgettable Journey
Curacao, a vibrant Caribbean island with a population of approximately 185,000, has made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This remarkable achievement marks the first time the nation will participate in the global tournament, breaking Iceland’s record as the smallest country to qualify, previously set in 2018.
Historic Qualification Journey
The qualifying match took place in Kingston, Jamaica, at the National Stadium, where Curacao faced a tense showdown. To bolster support, two chartered planes brought passionate fans, termed “ultras” by team captain Leandro Bacuna. Despite a crowd of 35,000 predominantly supporting the home team, Curacao’s small group of supporters proudly waved their flags amid the sea of yellow.
Coach and Management
Although Curacao’s manager Dick Advocaat was in the Netherlands due to family obligations, he stayed connected with his coaching team during this pivotal match. Advocaat, age 78, celebrated this achievement with a message expressing pride and excitement for the team’s journey.
- Curacao’s Manager: Dick Advocaat
- Coach’s Legacy: Third World Cup, with prior coaching roles in 1994 USA and 2006 South Korea.
- Fulfilled Vision: Advocaat saw potential in the team and played a crucial role in their development.
Player Backgrounds
Curacao has leveraged its Dutch heritage to assemble a talented squad. Most players hail from the Netherlands, with Curacaoan roots. Key players include:
- Leandro Bacuna: Former Aston Villa midfielder, now a record-holder for most caps (68).
- Juninho Bacuna: Currently plays for Gaziantep in Turkey.
- Kenji Gorre: A product of Manchester United’s academy, now at Maccabi Haifa.
This strategic recruitment started in 2004, aiming to boost the team with players of Curacaoan descent who had been overlooked by the Dutch national team. The result has been a significant elevation in the team’s competitive level.
Qualifying Matches Overview
The qualifying journey for Curacao involved:
- Winning four matches in their group, including victories over Haiti, Saint Lucia, Aruba, and Barbados.
- Drawing against Trinidad & Tobago and defeating Bermuda twice, with an impressive 7-0 victory away.
- A tense draw against Jamaica in their final qualifying fixture, which sealed their place in the World Cup.
The Decisive Match
The decisive match against Jamaica was high on drama. Jamaica threatened with several near-goals, hitting the woodwork three times. Curacao managed to hold their ground, avoiding defeat despite intense pressure.
VAR involvement added to the drama when a potential penalty for Jamaica was overturned, ensuring Curacao’s qualification remained intact. The match ended in a draw, allowing Curacao to secure a spot in the World Cup.
Impact and Future Outlook
The qualification is a monumental moment for Curacao, uniting fans and bringing pride to the island. As the team prepares for the World Cup, Leandro Bacuna expressed their dream-like journey, emphasizing hope and excitement for the upcoming tournament.
Curacao’s historic qualification journey is not just a sporting achievement but a source of national pride for the Caribbean nation. As preparations for the World Cup continue, the small island looks forward to making an impact on the global stage.
