Curaçao Makes History: The Smallest Nation to Qualify for a World Cup
Curaçao has achieved an unprecedented feat in the world of football, becoming the smallest nation 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 impressive if we consider that Curaçao has a population of just 156,115 inhabitants and a territorial extension of only 444 square kilometers. Surpassing the previous record set by Iceland in 2018, Curaçao has shown that size is not an impediment to dreaming big.
Curaçao finished the qualifying phase as the only undefeated team, leading Group B with 12 points.
The team, led by former Premier League coach Dick Advocaat, who was unable to be present at the crucial match against Jamaica for personal reasons, had an impeccable qualifying campaign. One of the most outstanding victories was a resounding 7-0 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.
The group stage draw for Curaçao’s historic first participation in the World Cup will take place on December 5th at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.Panama and Haiti Also Secure Their Place
Panama and Haiti also secured their qualification for the final phase of the competition, joining the United States, Mexico, and Canada, who were already qualified as hosts.
Panama achieved its second World Cup qualification after defeating El Salvador 3-0, with goals from César Blackman, Erick Davis, and José Luis Rodríguez.
Panama dominated Group A with 12 points, while Suriname, which led the table on the last matchday, fell to Guatemala and finished in second place with nine points.
Haiti starred in a surprising campaign, winning Group C above Honduras and Costa Rica, after defeating Nicaragua 2-1. Goals from Loicious Deedson and Ruben Providence sealed the victory. Haiti’s only previous participation in a World Cup was in Germany 1974.
Haiti accumulated 11 points, leaving Honduras with nine and Costa Rica with seven.
Jamaica and Suriname, who finished second in their respective groups, will play the FIFA intercontinental play-off, competing against Bolivia, New Caledonia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Iraq for two places in the World Cup.
