Why tiny Curacao could be the Cinderella team of the 2026 World Cup

Los Angeles TimesTuesday, December 9, 2025 at 12:00:00 PM
PositiveSports
  • Curacao has made history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the smallest nation by population to achieve this milestone after securing a crucial draw against Jamaica. This qualification marks a significant achievement for the Caribbean nation, which has a population of fewer than 200,000 people.
  • The qualification of Curacao for the World Cup is a testament to the growing competitiveness of smaller nations in international football. It highlights their potential to perform on the world stage, challenging the traditional dominance of larger footballing nations.
  • This development reflects a broader trend in international sports where smaller nations are increasingly making their mark, as evidenced by the qualification of other teams like Haiti and Panama. The upcoming World Cup will showcase a diverse array of teams, emphasizing the evolving landscape of global football.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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