Curacao At FIFA World Cup 2026: Tiny Island Nation Readies For Its Ultimate Football Adventure
Curacao, the smallest country to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup, is gripped by football fever. The tiny Caribbean island nation, with a land area of 171 square miles, has a population of just over 150,000. And come June 14, 'The Blue Wave,' as the national team is known colloquially, will embark on a journey they have never taken: a Group E opener against four-time winners Germany, then fixtures against Ecuador on 21 June and the Ivory Coast four days later present them with more opportunities to create football history. With legendary Dick Advocaat back at the helm, many Curacaoans will have their faith in Leandro Bacuna & Co. to make some waves. This is a photo feature capturing Curacaoan society with football at its core as the country prepares for its biggest global adventure.
Brenton Balentien, known as Blue Face, a leader of soccer fans of Curacao's national soccer team, cheers in Willemstad. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
Commuters drive past a billboard displaying the Curacao national soccer team in Willemstad, Curacao. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
Brenton Balentien, known as Blue Face, a leader of soccer fans of Curacao's national soccer team, holds up his daughter in Willemstad, Curacao. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
Tourists walk past a mural celebrating Curacao's qualification for the FIFA World Cup in Willemstad, Curacao. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
People play soccer in Willemstad, Curacao. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
Children train at the C-Stars United soccer academy in Willemstad, Curacao. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
Children train at the C-Stars United soccer academy in Willemstad, Curacao. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
A boy leaves soccer practice in Willemstad, Curacao. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
Fans of Inter Willemstad cheer during a Curacao soccer league match against Centro Dominguito in Willemstad, Curacao. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
Inter Willemstad and Centro Dominguito play a local league soccer match in Willemstad, Curacao. | Photo: AP/Matias Delacroix
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