19.11.2025 10:55
The autonomous region of Curaçao, with a population of 150,000, made a significant surprise in football history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The Curaçao National Team, coached by former Fenerbahçe manager Dick Advocaat, garnered widespread attention in the global media with their success in the qualifying group.
In the last match of the group, a draw was enough for Curaçao to secure a World Cup ticket against Jamaica. The team left the match with a 0-0 result, achieving a great success and obtaining the tournament visa.
ADVOCAT WAS NOT AT THE HELM IN THE CRITICAL MATCH
Head coach Dick Advocaat, who played a significant role in Curaçao's success, had to return to the Netherlands for family reasons before the match. The experienced coach was unable to be on the sidelines for the crucial encounter.
PENALTY CANCELLED AT THE LAST SECOND
Tension in the match lasted until the very end. In the injury time of the match, the referee awarded a penalty in favor of Jamaica. However, after a VAR review, the referee, who watched the incident on the screen, canceled the decision, allowing Curaçao's World Cup dream to continue.
TWO FAMILIAR NAMES FROM TURKEY
The Curaçao squad includes two players from Turkey as well. Riechedly Bazoer from Konyaspor and Leandro Bacuna from Bandırmaspor were among the footballers who contributed to this historic success.