Curaçao Makes History: The Smallest Nation to Qualify for a World Cup
Curaçao has achieved an unprecedented feat in the world of football by becoming the smallest country to qualify for a World Cup. The Caribbean team secured their place in the tournament after a 0-0 draw against Jamaica on the final day of the Concacaf qualifying phase.
This achievement is even more remarkable if we consider that Curaçao has a population of only 156,115 inhabitants and an area of 444 square kilometers. Surpassing the record previously established by Iceland.
Curaçao finished the tournament as the only undefeated team, leading Group B with 12 points.
The team, led by former Premier League coach Dick Advocaat, who was not present at the crucial match against Jamaica for personal reasons, demonstrated its strength throughout the qualifying phase, including a resounding 7-0 victory over Bermuda.
Advocaat, with previous experience at the helm of the national teams of the Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, and Russia, has been key to Curaçao’s success.
Curaçao will learn its group stage rivals at the draw to be held on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Panama and Haiti Also Secure Their Ticket to the World Cup
Panama and Haiti also secured their participation in the next World Cup, joining the United States, Mexico, and Canada, who were already qualified as hosts and automatically qualified.
Panama secured its qualification after defeating El Salvador 3-0, with goals from César Blackman, Erick Davis, and José Luis Rodríguez.
Panama finished as the best team in Group A with 12 points.
Haiti surprised by winning Group C, surpassing Honduras and Costa Rica, after defeating Nicaragua 2-1. Goals by Loicious Deedson and Ruben Providence secured the victory.
Haiti accumulated 11 points, while Honduras added nine and Costa Rica, seven.
Jamaica and Suriname, who finished second in their respective groups, will play the FIFA repechage against Bolivia, New Caledonia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Iraq for two additional spots in the World Cup.
