World Cup 2026: Curaçao receives Guinness World Record plaque as smallest country to qualify

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By Adegboyega Adeleye

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Curaçao have received recognition from Guinness World Records after becoming the smallest nation by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

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The Caribbean nation was presented with a certificate by Guinness World Records in recognition of the historic achievement, with Curaçao Football Federation President Gilbert Martina receiving the award.

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“We were delighted to present Gilbert Martina, the President of the Curaçao Football Federation, the certificate for the smallest country by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup – 156,115 people,” Guinness World Records wrote on its verified X account.

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Curaçao made history after securing qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the smallest country ever to reach football’s biggest international tournament.

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The island nation’s team, managed by Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, finished top of their CONCACAF third-round qualifying group after recording three wins and three draws from six matches.

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Their qualification was confirmed after a goalless draw against Jamaica in Kingston on November 19, 2025, completing a remarkable football journey for the “Blue Wave”.

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Despite their historic feat, Curaçao suffered a difficult start to their World Cup campaign after losing 7-1 to Germany in their opening match.

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The achievement, however, remains a major milestone in World Cup history, proving that population size is no barrier to competing on the biggest stage in international football.

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