Curacao heads to North America for the FIFA World Cup this summer, making history as the smallest nation ever to qualify for the men’s World Cup tournament.
This marks Curaçao’s historic first World Cup qualification, achieved on their fourth attempt.
Led by Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, the nation earned one of the three direct CONCACAF berths alongside Panama and Haiti to join co-hosts Canada, Mexico and the USA as CONCACAF representatives in 2026.
The Blue Wave’s memorable campaign began with 12 points and a perfect 4-0-0 record to top Group C in the Second Round, defeating Barbados, Aruba, Saint Lucia and Haiti along the way.
In the Final Round, a goalless draw in Kingston saw Curaçao close out Group B with 12 points and an undefeated 3-3-0 record, making history by qualifying to the World Cup for the very first time.
Dick Advocaat led the squad through qualification, but stepped down due to his daughter’s health. He was replaced by Fred Rutten, who then also stepped down with just a month to go, before the FFK reappointed Advocaat to lead the squad for the World Cup itself.
Curaçao have been drawn in Group E at the World Cup, where they will face Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Curacao 2026 World Cup fixtures
- Sunday, 14th June – Germany vs Curaçao – NRG Stadium, Houston, USA
- Saturday, 21st June – Ecuador vs Curaçao – Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, USA
- Thursday, 25th June – Curaçao vs Ivory Coast – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, USA
What time do Curacao’s World Cup games kick-off?
All kick-off times are BST.
- Germany vs Curaçao, 6pm
- Ecuador vs Curaçao, 1am
- Curaçao vs Ivory Coast, 9pm
Curacao 2026 FIFA World Cup Squad
Goalkeepers: Eloy Room (Miami FC), Tyrick Bodak (Telstar), Trevor Doornbusch (VVV Venlo)
Defenders: Riechedly Bazoer (Konyaspor), Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor), Roshon van Eijma (RKC Waalwijk), Sherel Floranus (PEC Zwolle), Deveron Fonville (NEC Nijmegen), Jurien Gaari (Abha), Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven), Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam)
Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna (Volendam), Leandro Bacuna (Igdir), Livano Comenencia (Zurich), Kevin Felida (Den Bosch), Ar’jany Martha (Rotherham United), Tyrese Noslin (Telstar), Godfried Roemeratoe (RKC Waalwijk)
Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse (Kifisia), Tahith Chong (Sheffield United), Kenji Gorre (Maccabi Haifa), Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough), Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu), Brandley Kuwas (Volendam), Jurgen Locadia (Miami FC), Jearl Margaritha (Beveren)
Read Also – World Cup 2026: Every squad list in full ahead of tournament
See More – The favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball
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