Curacao makes World Cup history, set to face Germany

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 3:25 PM

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

Curacao makes World Cup history, set to face Germany
Summary

Curacao will compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time the island nation qualifies for the tournament. With a population of 156,000, Curacao is the smallest nation by both population and area ever to participate in the World Cup. The team secured its spot in November 2025 after sealing a goalless draw against Jamaica. Patrick Kluivert played a crucial role in developing the national team, serving as a coach and advisor, and expressed pride in their achievement. Curacao will open its World Cup campaign against Germany on June 14.

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By the Numbers
  • •Curacao qualifies for the World Cup for the first time.
  • •The team secured its spot after a draw with Jamaica.
  • •Patrick Kluivert has been influential in the team's development.
  • •Curacao is the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup.
  • •The team faces Germany in its opening match on June 14.
Latest Updates
  • 12:02 PMYahoo Sports — Curacao, the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup, has big dreams
  • 3:25 PMYahoo Sports — Curacao has what larger nations 'would dream of' claims Patrick Kluivert ahead of World Cup
What they're saying
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Curacao will make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the tiny island nation competing in the tournament finals for the first time in its history as the competition's smallest country

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Curacao is making its World Cup debut as the smallest nation to ever qualify for the tournament. "We want to show the world who we are."

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