What to know about Curacao at the FIFA World Cup 2026

The ‘Blue Wave’ – the enviable nickname given to Curacao’s national football team – will soon be surging across to North America. The tiny Caribbean island of just over 150,000 people and covering only 443 square kilometres (171 square miles) will become the smallest country ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup when the 2026 tournament kicks off on June 11. Recommended Stories list of 4 items end of list Curacao, a self-governing entity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, scripted a fairytale story to secure qualification. Now, as one of four debutants at the tournament, the island nation will look to give its people more reasons to celebrate as their team plays in football’s most prestigious global competition. Here’s everything you need to know about Curacao in Al Jazeera’s World Cup minnows series: Curacao players celebrate their 2026 World Cup qualification [Endrymar Martis/AP] Where is Curacao? It is 60km (37 miles) off the coast of Venezuela. Willemstad, in the south of the island, is the capital. How did Curacao qualify for the World Cup? Curacao endured two challenging qualification rounds to punch their maiden World Cup final ticket. They played 10 matches, won seven and finished their campaign unbeaten. Curacao’s journey began in the second round of the CONCACAF qualifiers. They upset Barbados, Aruba, Saint Lucia and Haiti, scoring 15 goals to remain unbeaten. …