The tiny Caribbean island nation of Curaçao has made history by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, achieving the feat after a crucial draw against Jamaica.
Curaçao secured their place by drawing 0-0 with Jamaica in Kingston. This breaks the record previously held by Iceland (2018 World Cup qualifiers). Curaçao has a population of just over 150,000 (similar to Cambridge or Huddersfield) and a land area of only 171 square miles (smaller than the Isle of Man). The country only gained autonomy within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010.
The qualification sets another record: Curaçao boss Dick Advocaat (78) will become the oldest coach at a World Cup, surpassing Otto Rehhagel (71 in 2010). Advocaat was not present for the decisive match due to personal reasons.
The match's tension peaked in injury time when the referee initially awarded Jamaica a penalty after Curacao substitute Jeremy Antonisse appeared to foul Isaac Hayden. However, following a VAR review, the referee reversed the decision, leading to the final goalless draw that eliminated Jamaica.
Former England boss Steve McClaren immediately resigned as Jamaica's head coach following his team's failure to qualify for their first World Cup since 1998. Jamaica now proceeds to the Intercontinental play-offs.
Curaçao finished their 10-match qualifying campaign unbeaten, securing seven wins. Their FIFA ranking has soared from 150th ten years ago to 82nd today. The expanded 2026 World Cup format (48 nations) and the automatic qualification of hosts Canada, Mexico, and the United States significantly improved Curaçao's chances.
Curaçao is the fourth debutant, joining Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan. They will be joined by fellow CONCACAF qualifiers Haiti (who sealed their first World Cup since 1974 by defeating Nicaragua 2-0) and Panama.
Midfielder Juninho Bacuna (a former Huddersfield, Rangers, and Birmingham player) described the potential qualification as "crazy," "incredible," and "one of the biggest things that will happen to Curaçao."
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