KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark moment for international football, Curaçao clinched its first-ever World Cup berth on Tuesday after a tense 0-0 draw against Jamaica. The result not only secured qualification but also made Curaçao the smallest nation by population to ever reach the tournament.
Curaçao topped Group B with an unbeaten record and 12 points, finishing as the only team in the tournament without a loss.
Historic Qualification Without Their Head Coach
The Caribbean nation’s biggest football achievement came despite the absence of head coach Dick Advocaat, who returned to the Netherlands over the weekend due to family matters. The 78-year-old veteran manager — who previously led the Netherlands (three times) in addition to South Korea, Belgium and Russia — watched from afar as his squad completed the historic campaign.
Jamaica Denied by the Woodwork and VAR
Jamaica came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock multiple times:
- Greg Leigh hit the right post with a header in the 54th minute.
- Shamar Nicholson struck the crossbar in the 70th.
- Bailey Cadamarteri clipped the post again in the 87th.
Deep into stoppage time, Jamaica was awarded a penalty after Jeremy Antonisse brought down Dujuan Richards. However, VAR overturned the decision, preserving the draw that Curaçao desperately needed.
According to the Curaçao Central Bureau of Statistics, the nation’s population stands at only 156,115—surpassing Iceland’s record from 2018 when it qualified with just over 350,000 residents.
Panama Books Its Second World Cup Appearance
Panama sealed its spot with a commanding 3-0 victory over El Salvador. Early goals from César Blackman (17′) and Erick Davis (45′) set the tone before Jose Luis Rodriguez (85′) finished the job late.
Panama topped Group A with 12 points, while Suriname slipped to second after a 3-1 loss to Guatemala.
This will be Panama’s second World Cup appearance, following its debut at Russia 2018.
Haiti Stuns Regional Giants to Win Group C
Haiti completed one of the surprise runs of the qualifiers by winning Group C, finishing ahead of favorites Honduras and Costa Rica. A 2-0 win over Nicaragua sealed their place, with Loicious Deedson scoring in the ninth minute and Ruben Providence adding another before halftime.
Haiti returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, marking a historic revival for the Caribbean nation.
Intercontinental Playoff Lineup Finalized
With Tuesday’s results, the six teams heading to the 2026 intercontinental playoffs in Mexico have been confirmed. Two of them will earn spots at the World Cup.
Playoff teams:
- Asia: Iraq
- Africa: Congo
- CONCACAF: Jamaica, Suriname
- South America: Bolivia
- Oceania: New Caledonia
The playoff matches are scheduled for March next year.
