Curaçao make history as smallest nation ever at a World Cup

Curaçao made history at the 2026 World Cup by becoming the smallest nation ever to appear at the tournament, a remarkable achievement for the Caribbean island.

With a population of around 158,000 and a land area of about 171 square miles, Curaçao comfortably broke the previous record held by Iceland, which had a population of roughly 350,000 when it reached the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Curaçao is less than half that size.

The island secured its place at the finals after a goalless draw away to Jamaica in Kingston in late 2025, completing a qualifying campaign that captured attention well beyond the Caribbean.

Curaçao's route to the tournament leaned heavily on its diaspora. All but one of the 26-man squad was born in the Netherlands, with which the island has constitutional ties, and many had played for Dutch youth teams before committing to Curaçao. The team was guided by experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat.

Drawn in a group alongside major footballing nations, Curaçao's presence was celebrated as one of the feel-good stories of the 2026 World Cup, underlining how the expanded format has opened the door to smaller nations on the world stage.