Curaçao Make History as Smallest Nation Ever to Reach FIFA World Cup

Curaçao has written an unforgettable chapter in football history, becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 2–1 victory in Willemstad last night.

With a population of just over 150,000, the Caribbean island defied all odds, finishing ahead of regional giants in an intense qualifying campaign. The winning goal came in the 87th minute, when captain Leandro Bakuna converted a low cross, sending the Ergilio Hato Stadium into chaos as fans flooded the streets in celebration.

For head coach Remko Bicentini, the achievement is the culmination of years of patient work, talent development, and tactical discipline.

“We proved that size doesn’t matter in football,” Bicentini said after the final whistle. “What matters is belief, commitment, and a nation standing behind its team.”

Curaçao’s squad, built around players with roots in the island who feature in European leagues, combined technical quality with resilience throughout qualifying. Their compact defensive shape and quick transitions became a nightmare for opponents who underestimated them.

The government has announced a national holiday to celebrate the team’s success, while hotels and travel agencies are already preparing special packages for fans eager to follow Curaçao to the World Cup.

For many, this qualification is about more than football. It is a moment of pride and global recognition for a small island that has shown the world that dreams, no matter how bold, can come true.