The Caribbean island of Curacao has etched its name in football history by becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. With a population of just over 150,000 and a land area of 171 square miles, Curacao surpassed Iceland’s previous record as the smallest nation to reach the tournament. Their qualification was sealed with a goalless draw against Jamaica in Kingston, a result that dashed Jamaica’s hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. The match saw a dramatic moment in injury time when a penalty awarded to Jamaica was overturned by VAR, sparking celebrations among Curacao’s players and fans. Curacao’s head coach, Dick Advocaat, who was absent for personal reasons, will become the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78. The team’s remarkable journey to the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 nations, marks a significant milestone for the nation, which only became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010. Curacao’s rise from 150th in FIFA’s rankings a decade ago to their current 82nd position is a testament to their progress. Midfielder Juninho Bacuna, who played a pivotal role in the campaign, described the achievement as “crazy” and “incredible,” highlighting the team’s unbeaten run in 10 qualifying matches. Curacao will join Cape Verde, Uzbekistan, and Jordan as debutants in the expanded 2026 tournament. The team’s success has also inspired Dutch-born players with family ties to Curacao to represent the nation, further strengthening the squad. Bacuna emphasized the importance of Advocaat’s leadership and the team’s unity in achieving this historic feat. As Curacao prepares for their World Cup debut, their fairytale journey continues to captivate football fans worldwide.