Curaçao becomes smallest nation to qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026
For the first time in their nation's history, the tiny Caribbean island of Curaçao will play in the FIFA World Cup.
Their men's football team, 'Blue Wave', qualified for the 2026 edition of the sport's grandest stage by forcing Jamaica to a scoreless draw during their qualifying match on Tuesday.
The win secured the Blue Wave's position at the top of Group B, with 12 points in six games, ahead of Jamaica by a single point.
By far, Curaçao is the smallest nation by population to qualify for the World Cup.
The nation of just over 150,000 people surpassed Iceland's population of 350,000 as the smallest to ever play in the tournament.
In the World Cup Qualifiers’ Group B, Curaçao topped the table with 12 points, finishing ahead of other competitors.
Their historic qualification underscores the island’s remarkable rise in the football world.
The next FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature 48 teams for the first time.
CURAÇAO BECOME THE SMALLEST COUNTRY TO EVER QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUP!
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 19, 2025
The nation of just 156,115 people have surpassed Iceland as the smallest ever nation to ever make it to the biggest tournament on the planet ???????? pic.twitter.com/qbe8TtNyif