For the first time in their history, Curaçao walked onto the World Cup stage. Dick Advocaat led the squad into the unknown.
| Team | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 6 |
| 2 |
|
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 6 |
| 3 |
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 4 |
|
3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | -8 | 1 |
Curaçao population 156,000 are the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup. The islands, formerly part of the Netherlands Antilles, retain strong Dutch football ties: the squad is largely staffed by Dutch-born and Dutch-raised players of Curaçaoan heritage. Coach Patrick Kluivert, himself born in Amsterdam to Surinamese and Curaçaoan parents, has anchored the team's identity.
Curaçao endured a difficult group stage, unable to advance despite moments of resistance. Their campaign featured a heavy 1-7 defeat to Germany, a 0-0 draw with Ecuador, and a 0-2 defeat against Côte d'Ivoire. Côte d'Ivoire proved to be a step too far, and Curaçao's campaign came to a decisive end in the the group phase.
1drawn2lost
1scored9conceded
Winless throughout conceded 9 goals in 3 matches.
The standout performer for Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup.
7yellow
2.3per match
Bacuna booked twice 5 cards in a single match vs Ecuador.
Livano Comenencia led Curaçao's attack with 1 goal at the 2026 World Cup.
Dick Advocaat, 78, took over in 2024 as part of Curaçao's final qualification push. A Dutch football icon former Netherlands national team coach, former PSV, Rangers, and Zenit manager his technical credibility raised the squad's ceiling. He becomes one of the oldest-ever World Cup coaches. Managed 3 different nations at World Cups guided Curaçao to their first World Cup.
