Curacao has made history by becoming the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup, drawing with Jamaica 0-0 in Kingston. This Caribbean island, with a population of just 150,000, has beaten Iceland’s record and will make its World Cup debut in 2026 ¹ ² ³.
The team’s coach, 78-year-old Dick Advocaat, will become the oldest coach at a World Cup, surpassing Otto Rehhagel’s record. Advocaat, who wasn’t at the game due to personal reasons, praised his team’s achievement, calling it “crazy” ⁴ ⁵.
Curacao’s qualification is a remarkable achievement, considering they were ranked 150th in Fifa’s world rankings just ten years ago. Now, they’re 82nd, and their fairytale story includes winning seven out of ten qualifying matches and finishing unbeaten ⁶ ⁷.
Curacao’s achievement is a testament to their determination and teamwork, making them a dark horse in the 2026 World Cup ⁹
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