Curaçao’s Historic World Cup Debut Comes to a Close

Curaçao’s first FIFA World Cup campaign came to a close in Philadelphia, finishing a historic debut for The Blue Wave.

PHILADELPHIA – The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued with Curaçao falling 2-0 to Côte d'Ivoire in Group E on Thursday at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.

Nicolas Pepe was the star for Côte d'Ivoire with goals in the 7’ and 64’ as the African nation took a second-place finish in the group.

Juninho Bacuna was the player with most chances created for Curacao with three, and second in crosses attempted with four. Bacuna also led his team in total dribbles (6) and duels contested (17), and made a recovery in the attacking third.

Overall, Juninho Bacuna led Curaçao at the FIFA World Cup in dribbles attempted (21) and duels contested (50), and only his brother Leandro Bacuna (6) had more shots on goal (5) for The Blue Wave in the tournament.

Curaçao ends its first ever World Cup campaign with a 0-1-2 record and a fourth-place finish in Group E.