FIFA World Cup 2026 Preview: Curacao
(image via Scott Heppell/AP)
As the world now turns its attention to the biggest tournament in football, we’ll begin previewing all the teams that will be in Houston this summer. Next up is Curacao. Here’s a closer look at the roster, key storylines, and what to expect from The Blue Wave heading into the competition.
Team Information
- FIFA Ranking: 82
- Confederation: Concacaf
- Manager: Dick Advocaat
- Captain: Leandro Bacuna
- Nickname: The Blue Wave
- World Cup Appearance: 1st
- Best World Cup Finish: N/A
- World Cup Group: E
How They Qualified
Curacao became the smallest nation to ever qualify for a World Cup after winning Concacaf’s Group B. With the United States, Mexico, and Canada automatically qualifying as hosts, it opened more spots, and Curacao took advantage. Curacao won Group C with four wins from four in the second round and then won qualification after going unbeaten in the the third round.
Qualification Record
- Wins: 7
- Draws: 3
- Losses: 0
- Goals Scored: 28
- Goals Conceded: 5
Notable Qualifying Result
The final match day of qualifying saw Curacao traveling to Jamaica, needing a draw to make their first World Cup. The Blue Wave got just what they needed, holding Jamaica to a 0-0 draw to qualify automatically and send the Jamaicans to the playoff.
Last Five Matches
- Bermuda 0-7 Curacao (World Cup Qualification)
- Jamaica 0-0 Curacao (World Cup Qualification)
- China 2-0 Curacao (Friendly)
- Australia 5-1 Curacao (Friendly)
- Scotland 4-1 Curacao (Friendly)
World Cup Roster
Goalkeepers: Eloy Room (Miami FC), Tyrick Bodak (Telstar), Trevor Doornbusch (VVV-Venlo)
Defenders: Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam), Juriën Gaari (Abha), Roshon van Ejima (RKC Waalwijk), Sherel Floranus (PEC Zwolle), Armado Obispo (PSV Eindhoven), Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor), Riecheldy Bazoer (Konyaspor), Deveron Fonville (NEC)
Midfielders: Godfried Roemeratoe (RKC Waalwijjk), Juninho Bacuna (Volendam), Livano Comenencia (Zurich), Leandro Bacuna (Igdir), Ar’jany Martha (Rotherham United), Tahith Chong (Sheffield United), Kevin Felida (Den Bosch)
Forwards: Jürgen Locadia (Miami FC), Jeremy Antonisse (Kifisia), Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough), Tyrese Noslin (Telstar), Kenji Gorré (Maccabi Haifa), Jearl Margaritha (Beveren), Brandley Kuwas (Volendam), Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu)
Key Players
Tahith Chong — Midfielder, Sheffield United
The former Manchester United youngster is the only player on this roster born in Curacao. Chong left the islands as a youngster to chase his footballing dreams and now comes back, full circle, to represent Curacao in a World Cup.
Eloy Room — Goalkeeper, Miami FC
The 37-year-old goalkeeper is one of Curacao’s longest tenured players. He has the joint-most caps on this team, appearing 72 times since his debut in 2015. Room has spent time in the Netherlands with Vitesse and in Major League Soccer with the Columbus Crew. He now plies his trade for Miami FC in the USL Championship
Leandro Bacuna — Midfielder, Igdir
Bacuna is tied with Room for most caps for Curacao. He made his debut for The Blue Wave in 2016 while he was playing for Aston Villa in the English Premier League. He’s bounced around at the club level but Bacuna will have the chance to anchor this Curacao midfield alongside his brother Juninho.
Young Player to Watch
Livano Comenencia — Midfielder, Zurich
The 22-year-old midfielder was a budding star in the PSV Academy when he moved to Juventus’ youth setup in 2023. Comenencia scored in the huge 2-0 win over Jamaica in qualifying, cementing himself in Curacao’s footballing history.
Predicted Starting XI
Biggest Storyline
Curacao are the underdog of all underdogs. They are the smallest country by population and landmass to ever make a World Cup. 78-year-old Dick Advocaat is back to lead the team and become the oldest manager to ever take charge in FIFA’s biggest tournament. Combine that with a brutal group that includes Germany, Ecuador, and the Ivory Coast and you wouldn’t fault Curacao for just being happy to be here. Don’t believe me? Check out their arrival before flying to the United States.
One Reason They Can Make a Deep Run
The big powerhouse countries always end up winning the World Cup but it seems every tournament has a Cinderella that makes a run. So, why not Curacao? They’ve struggled in recent friendlies but showed in qualifying that when the lights are on, they can get results. If they can get out of the group, nobody will want to see Curacao in a knockout match with the pressure of being eliminated by a minnow.
One Reason They Could Struggle
Curacao are simply overmatched by every team they are going to play. They have to open the tournament against Germany here in Houston. If that gets ugly, as some think it will, it could go downhill for the last two group stage matches.
Best-Case Scenario
Round of 32
Likely Finish
Group Stage
Floor
Group Stage
Quick Facts
Most Caps in Squad: Leandro Bacuna and Eloy Room - 72
Top Scorer in Squad: Leandro Bacuna - 16
Average Squad Age: 27.4 years old
Previous World Cup Finish: First appearance
Final Thoughts
For Curacao, simply reaching the World Cup is already one of the greatest achievements in football history. The Blue Wave has shattered expectations to become the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, and that accomplishment alone will inspire generations of players back home. While advancing from a group featuring Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast would require one of the biggest upsets the World Cup has ever seen, Curacao has spent this entire qualifying cycle proving doubters wrong. Regardless of how their tournament ends, this squad has already secured its place in football history and will arrive in Houston eager to make its dream journey last as long as possible.
