Curaçao Breaks Record as Smallest Nation to Qualify for World Cup

Curaçao became the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup on November 18, joining Cape Verde as the two smallest nations to achieve this feat. The tiny Caribbean nation secured its spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada next summer. The qualification of Curaçao and Cape Verde has sent shockwaves throughout the soccer world, with many experts hailing it as a historic moment for the sport. "This is a testament to the power of determination and hard work," said Curaçao's coach, Guno Pieterman. "Our team has shown that even the smallest nations can achieve greatness with the right mindset and support." Curaçao's qualification comes after a thrilling match against Jamaica on November 17, which ended in a 2-0 victory for the Caribbean nation. The win marked a major milestone for Curaçao, which has a population of just over 160,000 people. The qualification of Curaçao and Cape Verde is not an isolated incident. Several other underdog nations have also made it to the 2026 World Cup, including Jamaica, which qualified for the tournament for the first time in its history. Other nations that have secured their spots include Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Ecuador. The qualification of these small nations has sparked a sense of excitement and optimism among soccer fans around the world. "This is a great moment for the sport, and it shows that the World Cup is truly a global event," said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. "We are proud to see so many nations from different parts of the world competing at the highest level." The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a historic tournament, with many of the world's top teams failing to qualify. Nigeria, China, India, Greece, Serbia, and Hungary are among the major nations that have missed out on a spot in the tournament. Despite this, the qualification of Curaçao and Cape Verde has added a new layer of excitement and unpredictability to the competition. As the tournament approaches, fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the matches between these underdog nations and the established powers. The qualification of Curaçao and Cape Verde has shown that even the smallest nations can achieve greatness with the right support and determination.