MIAMI – The Concacaf Qualifiers to the 2026 FIFA World Cup concluded with three nations booking their spots in next year’s tournament, including first time participant Curaçao.
Curaçao become the smallest nation to qualify for a World Cup. Led by Dutch manager Dick Advocaat, the nation earned one of the three direct berths alongside Panama and Haiti to join co-hosts Canada, Mexico, and the USA as Concacaf representatives in 2026.
The Blue Wave began its memorable campaign with 12 points and a perfect 4-0-0 record to top Group C in the Second Round. The Caribbean nation defeated Barbados 4-1, Aruba 2-nil, Saint Lucia 4-nil, and Haiti 5-1 en route to advancing to the Final Round.
Curaçao opened the Final Round picking up four points in the September window. First, playing out a goalless draw in Trinidad and Tobago, before earning a 3-2 victory at home over Bermuda. In October, Curaçao obtained a statement 2-nil home win over Jamaica to jump to first in the group, followed by a 1-1 draw against Trinidad and Tobago.
The pivotal November window began with a dominant 7-nil win on the road against Bermuda. What followed was a decisive visit to Jamaica in the final matchday to defend the top spot and secure direct qualification. A goalless draw in Kingston saw Curaçao close out the Final Round in first place in Group B with 12 points and an undefeated 3-3-0 record to make history by qualifying to the World Cup for the first time.
Curaçao’s qualifying campaign was fueled by top performances from players like Gervane Kastaneer, who led the team with five goals, and midfielder Leandro Bacuna, who led the nation with three assists. Goalkeeper Eloy Room stood out leading the defensive line and a mainstay in the team’s lineups throughout its 10 matches, contributing 30 saves and posting six clean sheets.
