In a historic achievement, Curacao has become the smallest country by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, surpassing Iceland’s previous record. With a population of just 156,000, the Caribbean island nation secured its place in the 2026 World Cup finals after a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston. This marks Curacao’s first-ever appearance on the global football stage. The team, composed entirely of players born in the Netherlands with Antillean roots, held their ground despite intense pressure from Jamaica, who hit the woodwork three times in the second half. The match’s dramatic climax saw a last-minute penalty awarded to Jamaica, only for the referee to overturn the decision after consulting VAR. Curacao’s qualification was further bolstered by their consistent performance in the CONCACAF region, where they topped Group B. Meanwhile, Haiti and Panama also secured their spots in the World Cup, with Haiti overcoming internal strife and Panama delivering a dominant 3-0 victory over El Salvador. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., will feature 48 teams, making it the largest in the tournament’s history. Curacao’s qualification is a testament to the resilience and determination of smaller nations in global football.