Curaçao World Cup 2026: Top Players, Team Roster, and History
Curaçao, a small Caribbean island with a population of approximately 186,000, has made history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks the team’s inaugural entry into the World Cup, following notable performances in the Gold Cup, including a quarterfinal finish in 2019 and third place in both 1963 and 1969.
Curaçao’s Journey to World Cup 2026
To earn their World Cup qualification, Curaçao effectively navigated the CONCACAF qualifying rounds. They finished at the top of Group C in the second round and repeated this success in Group B of the third round, boasting an impressive record of seven victories and three draws over ten matches, without a single loss.
World Cup Group Stage Schedule
Curaçao is set to compete in Group E, which includes formidable teams like Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ecuador. The match schedule is as follows:
- June 14: Curaçao vs. Germany — Houston Stadium (1 p.m. ET)
- June 20: Curaçao vs. Ecuador — Kansas City Stadium (8 p.m. ET)
- June 25: Curaçao vs. Côte d’Ivoire — Philadelphia Stadium (4 p.m. ET)
Key Players to Watch
As Curaçao prepares for their first World Cup, several players stand out as vital to the team’s success:
- Rangelo Janga: The all-time leading scorer for Curaçao, Janga has accumulated 21 international goals and boasts experience across various European leagues.
- Leandro Bacuna: With 68 caps to his name, Bacuna’s experience in the Premier League and other European competitions makes him a crucial asset for the team.
Managerial Leadership
Leading the team is Dick Advocaat, who took the helm in 2024. Advocaat has a distinguished managerial history, having coached several national teams, including the Netherlands, Belgium, and Russia, and achieving success in club football with teams like PSV and Zenit St. Petersburg.
Curaçao’s Football Legacy
While this is Curaçao’s first World Cup appearance, the island nation has a rich football history. The players’ experience and skill, coupled with their successful qualification campaign, set the stage for an exciting debut on the world stage.
