The smallest nation to ever qualify for the globe’s biggest tournament, the Blue Wave are looking to cause a shock in Group E.
With a population of just over 150,000 and a land area of 171 square miles, Curaçao are the smallest nation to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
The tiny Caribbean nation – part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – sealed their spot at this summer’s tournament when they topped their CONCACAF group with a goalless draw against Jamaica.
Dick Advocaat, who managed the Netherlands at USA 1994 and the Republic of Korea at Germany 2006, led Curaçao’s successful qualifying campaign. After stepping down for personal reasons in February, he returned this month in place of fellow Dutchman Fred Rutten.
The Blue Wave head to North America for their tournament debut, where they face Germany, Ecuador and Côte d’Ivoire in Group E.
Quick facts
- Captain: Leandro Bacuna
- Manager: Dick Advocaat
- World Cup appearances (including 2026): 1
- Best World Cup result: N/A
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Curaçao’s full squad
Goalkeepers: Tyrick Bodak (SC Telstar), Trevor Doornbusch (VVV-Venlo), Eloy Room (Miami FC)
Defenders: Riechedly Bazoer (Konyaspor), Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor), Roshon Van Eijma (RKC Waalwijk), Sherel Floranus (PEC Zwolle), Deveron Fonville (NEC Nijmegen), Juriën Gaari (Abha Club), Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven), Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam)
Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna (FC Volendam), Leandro Bacuna (Iğdır), Livano Comenencia (FC Zürich), Kevin Felida (FC Den Bosch), Ar’Jany Martha (Rotherham United), Tyrese Noslin (SC Telstar), Godfried Roemeratoe (RKC Waalwijk)
Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse (AE Kifisia), Tahith Chong (Sheffield United), Kenji Gorré (Maccabi Haifa), Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough), Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu FC), Brandley Kuwas (FC Volendam), Jürgen Locadia (Miami FC), Jearl Margaritha (SK Beveren)