SPORTS

Curacao qualify as smallest ever World Cup nation

Curacao clinched a historic 2026 World Cup berth with a gritty 0-0 draw in Jamaica, becoming the smallest nation by population ever to qualify. The Netherlands-linked squad, strengthened by recent FIFA-approved switches and led by 78-year-old coach Dick Advocaat, topped a group with Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda. Advocaat missed the Kingston stalemate for family reasons as Jamaica hit the woodwork three times and saw a stoppage-time penalty overturned on video review. Players from modest clubs now head to the expanded 48-team tournament. Panama and Haiti also secured qualification on Tuesday.

Reviewed by JQJO team

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