Curaçao Achieves Significant Milestone by Securing Qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026 as the Smallest Nation by Population

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — Curaçao secured a significant 0-0 draw with Jamaica on Tuesday, becoming the smallest nation by population to qualify for the World Cup. Panama and Haiti also confirmed their tournament spots in the CONCACAF qualifiers. 

Curaçao demonstrated exceptional performance, remaining undefeated and topping Group B with 12 points to advance to the World Cup for the first time in its history. This achievement was accomplished despite the absence of head coach Dick Advocaat, who returned to the Netherlands for family reasons. 

Advocaat, a renowned international coach with extensive experience managing national teams including the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, and Russia, was not present for this crucial match. 

Jamaica came close to scoring multiple times, with headers striking the post from Greg Leigh, Shamar Nicholson, and Bailey Cadamarteri. A late penalty awarded to Jamaica was ultimately overturned following a video review. 

With a population of 156,115, Curaçao surpasses Iceland's previous record as the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup. Panama secured their second World Cup appearance by defeating El Salvador 3-0, with goals from César Blackman, Erick Davis, and Jose Luis Rodriguez. 

Haiti delivered a remarkable performance, winning Group C by defeating Nicaragua 2-0, with goals from Loicious Deedson and Ruben Providence. This marks their second World Cup qualification, following their first appearance in Germany in 1974. 

The CONCACAF results have finalized the six teams participating in the intercontinental playoffs in Mexico next March, with two teams set to qualify from a group including representatives from Iraq, Congo, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia, and New Caledonia.

Curaçao has emerged as the most diminutive nation to secure qualification for the World Cup, a tournament set to expand to 48 participating teams in the upcoming edition. Prior to Curaçao's achievement, Iceland held the record for the smallest nation to qualify, having done so in 2018 with a population of approximately 350,000 inhabitants.