Curaçao and Small Nations Rewrite FIFA World Cup History

Haiti: Qualified for the first time since 1974 amid ongoing security and humanitarian crises.
Cape Verde: Secured its place with a strong 3-0 win over Eswatini, previously the second-least populous nation to qualify.
Panama: Returns to the World Cup after debuting in 2018, having earned qualification by recently defeating El Salvador.

Bassyonni

Published: November 20, 2025 4:34 AM ET

Curaçao and Small Nations Rewrite FIFA World Cup History

Curaçao has made history by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. This achievement was confirmed on November 18, 2025, when Curaçao played to a 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Willemstad.

Curaçao’s Historic Qualification

Located in the southern Caribbean, Curaçao, with a population of approximately 150,000, has surpassed Iceland’s record as the least populous country to secure a place in the World Cup. This tiny nation, previously better known for its beautiful beaches and liqueur, has now captured global attention through its remarkable soccer journey.

The Road to World Cup 2026

Curaçao’s qualification is part of a trend where small nations excel in soccer.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
42 of the 48 spots for the tournament are now filled, paving the way for an exciting competition.

Challenges Faced by Small Nations

Despite the joyous news, concerns linger over the potential challenges that these underdog teams may encounter. Carl Worswick, a soccer specialist, notes that while qualifying can elevate a country’s profile, it may introduce financial and preparation difficulties for national teams.