The tiny island face a daunting Group E test at the 2026 World Cup, with Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast awaiting them.

Gilbert Bellamy

World Cup 2026

Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup: roster, list, players, group and schedule

Calum Roche

Managing Editor AS USA

Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.

Update: Jun 9th, 2026 08:05 EDT

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Curaçao’s path to the 2026 World Cup is one of the tournament’s most remarkable stories. A FIFA member since 2011, the Caribbean nation has spent years building toward its first appearance on soccer’s biggest stage, drawing on a deep pool of Dutch-raised talent with Curaçaoan roots. With the United States, Mexico and Canada exempt from CONCACAF qualifying as co-hosts, the island saw a rare opportunity. An unbeaten qualifying campaign, highlighted by victories over Haiti and Jamaica, ultimately secured a historic place in the finals and made Curaçao the smallest nation ever to reach a World Cup in both population and land area.

Now the Blue Wave face their greatest challenge yet. Drawn into Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast, advancing to the knockout stage would rank among the biggest upsets of the tournament. Veteran midfielder and captain Leandro Bacuna leads a squad blending experience and emerging talent, while legendary Dutch coach Dick Advocaat returns to the sidelines after guiding the team to qualification. Whatever happens this summer, Curaçao has already earned its place in World Cup history, and its vibrant traveling support will hope the fairytale has another chapter to come.

Full Curaçao squad for the 2026 World Cup

Goalkeepers

Tyrick Bodack
Trevor Doornbusch
Eloy Room

Defenders

Riechedly Bazoer
Joshua Brenet
Roshon van Eijma
Sherel Floranus
Deveron Fonville
Jurien Gaari
Armando Obispo
Shurandy Sambo

Midfielders

Juninho Bacuna
Leandro Bacuna
Livano Comenencia
Kevin Felida
Ar’jany Martha
Tyrese Noslin
Godfried Roemeratoe

Forwards

Jeremy Antonisse
Tahith Chong
Kenji Gorre
Sontje Hansen
Gervane Kastaneer
Brandley Kuwas
Jurgen Locadia
Jearl Margaritha

Curaçao’s World Cup schedule and group

Group E: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast and Ecuador

Sunday, June 14 - 1 p.m. ET: Germany v Curaçao
Friday, June 21 - 8 p.m. ET: Ecuador v Curaçao
Thursday, June 25 - 4 p.m. ET: Curaçao v Ivory Coast