League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Scores & Results

Curacao and Cape Verde compete in largest World Cup edition

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 13, 2026, 9:01 PM

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

Curacao and Cape Verde compete in largest World Cup edition

Summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently taking place in North America, featuring a record number of teams and some of the smallest nations in tournament history. Curacao and Cape Verde, among the smallest countries participating, are making their World Cup debuts. Curacao, with a population of 185,500, was previously overshadowed by Iceland, which had the smallest population at the 2018 World Cup. Cape Verde, with over half a million residents, qualified by finishing first in their group ahead of Cameroon. Both teams are now facing significant competition in their respective groups.

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By the Numbers

•Curacao competes against Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast in Group E.
•Cape Verde finished first in their qualification group ahead of Cameroon.
•Curacao has a population of 185,500; Cape Verde has 529,672.

Latest Updates

9:01 PMYahoo Sports — Smallest countries in 2026 World Cup: How Curacao, Cape Verde compare to other tiny nations in history

What they're saying

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The largest ever edition of the FIFA World Cup is underway in North America and it features some of the smallest nations in competition history.
— Yahoo Sports

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FIFA World Cup Soccer