Curacao: Smallest Nation to Ever Compete in a World Cup

Curacao, a stunningly beautiful Caribbean island smaller than the Isle of Man and with a population of 158,000, is preparing to make history as the smallest nation ever, by both size and population, to take part in a World Cup. The island, known for its alcoholic drink of the same name and its strong Dutch influence, is not a fully sovereign nation but a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Historic Qualification and National Pride

Curacao's qualification for the World Cup has sparked immense joy and pride across the island. “It brings so much joy and pride to the island that you can't describe it. The whole island is turning blue,” Curacao Football Federation (FFK) president Gilbert Martina told BBC Sport. The team, known as the Blue Wave, will make their World Cup debut in Houston, where thousands of fans are expected, with some taking same-day charter flights from the island.

Squad Composition and Dutch Influence

Only one player in the 26-man squad, Tahith Chong, was born on Curacao. The other 25 players hail from the mainland Netherlands, reflecting the island's deep ties with the European country. Some 18 players have represented the Netherlands at youth levels, and two—Riechedly Bazoer and Joshua Brenet—have earned senior caps for the Dutch national team. The shift from a team of local amateurs to one drawing from the diaspora began in 2015 when the FFK hired high-profile Dutch managers, starting with Patrick Kluivert.

Goalkeeper Eloy Room, 37, was the first diaspora player to join the national team in 2015, followed by midfielder Leandro Bacuna in 2016. Bacuna, who previously played for Aston Villa and Cardiff City, said: “We've done something so nice for Curacao. I started this journey 10 years ago and wanted to make the people from Curacao proud. The manager keeps saying we are not finished. We want to show people as small as we are, we have a big heart. If you have a big heart I believe you can get far.”

His brother Juninho Bacuna, who has played for Huddersfield Town, Rangers, and Birmingham City, joined the national team in 2019. “It's one thing that we always wished for—when we were kids we dreamed of playing together in one team on one pitch,” he told the BBC. “That's why I decided early on to play for Curacao so I could be with him in one team, make our parents proud, make the island proud.”

The most significant influx of Dutch-born talent has occurred since 2023, with 15 players making their debuts in that period. Chong, who represented the Netherlands up to under-21 level, switched to Curacao last year. Juninho Bacuna noted: “We've got a lot of players that have been playing in Holland that never thought about playing for Curacao. But you can see the heart, the belief and the connection they have with Curacao. They feel the love from the people, they feel everything from the island, so the connection got stronger and stronger for them.”

Group Stage and Historic Manager

Curacao has been placed in a challenging Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast. They face Germany on Sunday at 18:00 BST. The team will be led by 78-year-old manager Dick Advocaat, who will become the oldest coach in World Cup history. Advocaat, who has had an on-again, off-again relationship with the Curacao job, brings a wealth of experience to the squad.

Captain Leandro Bacuna emphasized the team's determination: “People look at us always having fun and dancing. We are all together. But as soon as the referee blows the whistle we have one thing on our mind—getting a result.”

Diaspora Connection and Local Sentiment

The importance of Curacao's diaspora in the Netherlands—roughly equal in size to the island's population—makes the reliance on Dutch-born players a non-issue for many locals. Boudino de Jong, a Curacao native and co-founder of Profound, the FFK's digital partner, said: “I don't think it's an issue whatsoever. We're very used to our diaspora also being outside the island.”