Curacao team profile - FIFA World Cup 2026
In the build-up to FIFA World Cup 2026 in USA, Canada and Mexico, we shine a spotlight on Curacao.
FIFA World Ranking: 82
Confederation: CONCACAF
Who is Curacao’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Curacao’s head coach for FIFA World Cup 2026 is Dick Advocaat, who had initially led the nation to their first ever FIFA World Cup, but the former Netherlands boss then had to step down to care for his ill daughter. Since then, Fred Rutten had been in charge up until May, 2026 when Advocaat returned to his post, becoming the oldest head coach in FIFA World Cup history.
Who is Curacao’s captain for FIFA World Cup 2026?
The captain of the Curacao national side for FIFA World Cup 2026 is former Aston Villa midfielder Leandro Bacuna, who made his debut for the country back in 2016 and has gone on to be a stalwart for the Caribbean nation.
How many times have Curacao participated in a FIFA World Cup before 2026?
None - 2026 will be Curacao’s FIFA World Cup debut
What is Curacao’s best performance at a FIFA World Cup?
2026 will be Curacao’s FIFA World Cup debut
How did Curacao qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Curacao qualified for the FIFA World Cup in dramatic fashion with a goalless draw in Kingston against Steve McClaren’s favoured Jamaicans in the third round of CONCACAF qualification.
Curacao were drawn into Group C of the second round of qualifying and they won four from four in a group that also consisted of Haiti, who have also eventually qualified for this summer’s tournament, as well as Saint Lucia, Aruba and Barbados.
In the next stage, drawn into a group with Jamaica as well as Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao went unbeaten in their six matches; conceding just three goals.
The defining result in that campaign came in Willemstad in October 2025 as they defeated the Jamaicans by two goals to nil, courtesy of strikes from Livano Comenencia and former Swansea City man Kenji Gorre.
Curacao officially secured qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026 on November 18, 2025 after that 0-0 draw with Jamaica.
Who are Curacao’s star players?
Kenji Gorre (Maccabi Haifa) will naturally be one of Curacao’s most potent threats on the counter-attack in this tournament with the winger, who represented Manchester United at youth level, also scoring a crucial goal against Trinidad and Tobago last autumn.
Perhaps the most recognisable name in the Curacao squad is that of Tahith Chong (Sheffield United), with the former Manchester United and Luton Town having switched his international allegiance from the Netherlands.
He is one of many to do so with plenty of Dutch youth internationals now in the Curacao squad, such as former Brighton and Hove Albion striker Jurgen Locadia (Miami) and Middlesbrough winger Sontje Hansen.
Who is in Curacao’s group at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Germany
Curacao
Cote d’Ivoire
Ecuador
Curacao’s Group E fixtures are as follows:
Germany v Curacao: Sunday June 14, 2026 – 1:00pm ET, 6:00pm UK
Ecuador v Curacao: Saturday June 20, 2026 - 8:00pm ET, 1:00am UK (Sunday)
Curacao v Cote d’Ivoire: Thursday June 25, 2026 – 9:00pm ET, 4:00pm UK
All kick-off dates are based on a local kick-off time
Where is Curacao’s base camp at FIFA World Cup 2026?
Florida Atlanta University, Boca Raton, Florida
Expert prediction for Curacao’s chances at FIFA World Cup 2026
There is a widely held view that Curacao will be blown away in all three of their group stage matches – especially having been drawn into such a tough group alongside Germany, Cote d’Ivoire and Ecuador.
The smallest nation to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup and a team with little pedigree, Curacao are perhaps the biggest minnows in FIFA World Cup history but, with Advocaat back at the helm and some real quality having moved across from the Netherlands, they may be more difficult to face than many are anticipating.
That said, anything other than avoiding three defeats from three would have to be viewed as a major success as they head into FIFA World Cup 2026.
What round will Curacao reach at FIFA World Cup 2026? Group Stage
