Small Island, Big Dream: Curaçao Secures First-Ever World Cup

With a historic draw in Jamaica, 150,000-population Curaçao clinched its first World Cup ticket, as Haiti ended a 52-year wait and Panama sealed their second appearance.

Curaçao clinched its first World Cup ticket, as Haiti ended a 52-year wait and Panama sealed their second appearance.

The Concacaf qualifiers delivered one of the most dramatic nights in recent memory, marking a milestone for Caribbean football. Tiny Curaçao, with a population smaller than many stadium capacities, reached the 2026 World Cup for the first time in its history after holding Jamaica to a tense goalless draw. On the same night, Haiti returned to the global stage after more than five decades, while Panama secured their second World Cup berth with a confident home victory.

Contents hide

1 Curaçao writes a story for the ages

1.1 Haiti breaks decades of silence

1.1.1 Panama marches forward again

1.1.2 Road to the playoffs heats up

1.2 Qualified teams for the 2026 World Cup

Curaçao writes a story for the ages

Curaçao entered the final matchday knowing a single point could change its footballing destiny — and that is exactly what happened in Kingston. A gritty, disciplined performance earned the island nation a 0-0 result, enough to finish atop Group B with 12 points and an unbeaten record.

Although veteran coach Dick Advocaat was absent due to a family matter, his imprint on the team’s structure and mentality was unmistakable. Curaçao’s squad, which includes players based in Türkiye such as Bazoer and Leandro Bacuna, celebrated the historic achievement with emotional scenes both on the field and in the stands.

Haiti breaks decades of silence

Forced to play its “home” matches abroad due to unrest back home, Haiti turned a challenging situation into an extraordinary triumph. A decisive win over Nicaragua ensured their first World Cup qualification since 1974. The result sparked joy among fans who have endured a long wait for such a moment.

Panama marches forward again

Panama dominated El Salvador with a clinical 3-0 victory, sealing another trip to the World Cup after their debut in Russia 2018. The win also dashed Suriname’s hopes of automatic qualification, though Suriname still booked a place in the intercontinental playoff tournament.

Road to the playoffs heats up

Suriname and Jamaica, both finishing second in their groups, will advance to the six-team intercontinental playoff tournament. Alongside contenders such as Bolivia, New Caledonia, DR Congo and Iraq, they will fight for the final two World Cup spots in March 2026.

Qualified teams for the 2026 World Cup

With the tournament expanding to 48 teams, the list of nations already confirmed includes:

Mexico, United States, Canada, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Germany, Croatia, Scotland, Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Australia, Norway, Egypt, Algeria, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Qatar, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, New Zealand, Curaçao, Haiti, Panama.