Curaçao internationals Juriën Gaari and Leandro Bacuna said their participation in the 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup was a historic campaign for their nation [1].

This appearance marks a milestone for the small island, demonstrating that underdog teams can qualify for the world's largest sporting event through resilience and preparation. The presence of Curaçao on the global stage provides visibility to the island's footballing talent and inspires future generations of players.

The tournament, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., placed Curaçao in Group E [1]. During the competition, the players faced high-pressure environments, including an opening match against Germany [1]. Gaari and Bacuna said the team's underdog mentality and the role of fan support were important in maintaining their competitive spirit throughout the run [1].

Bacuna said the emotional weight of wearing the national jersey during the tournament was significant. He said the experience was not just about the results on the pitch, but about the pride of representing their people. The players said the team's preparation allowed them to compete against established football powers, a feat previously thought unlikely for a nation of their size [1].

"Curaçao is a small island that thinks big," Bacuna said [2].

The players said their success was due to a collective belief in their ability to compete at the highest level. By focusing on resilience, the squad aimed to leave a lasting legacy for Curaçaoan sports. They said the journey was a testament to the growth of football in the Caribbean region [1, 2].

“Curaçao is a small island that thinks big.”

Curaçao's qualification and participation in the 2026 tournament signify a shift in the global football landscape, where smaller nations are increasingly capable of breaking the traditional dominance of larger countries. This historic run suggests that strategic preparation and a strong national identity can bridge the gap in resources and infrastructure between underdog teams and elite footballing powers.