Against All Odds: Curaçao Soccer’s Historic Journey to the 2026 World Cup

As a proud Curaçaoan and owner of Bon Trade International, I never thought I’d see this day in my lifetime. In November 2025, our tiny island—home to just 156,000 souls—achieved what the world said was impossible. When that final whistle blew in Kingston, we secured a 0-0 draw against Jamaica. Curaçao soccer made history that night. We became the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, shattering Iceland’s record. The streets of Willemstad erupted in celebration. Families poured out of their homes. Strangers embraced. Tears of joy flowed freely. Our little rock in the Caribbean had just earned a seat at football’s biggest table, and every single one of us felt ten feet tall.

For over 30 years, Bon Trade has served this island, shipping goods that help our community thrive. But no cargo we’ve ever delivered compares to the pride Curaçao soccer delivered to our hearts that November night.

A Dream Realized

 

 Dick Advocaat led this historic campaign. The legendary 78-year-old Dutch coach had previously guided the Netherlands and South Korea to World Cups. His appointment brought   world-class expertise to Curaçao soccer. He transformed our team from regional underdogs into organized competitors. The squad featured brilliant players like Gervane Kastaneer,   who scored five crucial goals during qualification. Midfielder Leandro Bacuna provided three vital assists. Many players were born in the Netherlands but chose to honor their   Curaçaoan heritage. Joshua Brenet and former Manchester United prospect Tahith Chong wore our colors with pride.

From Church Gardens to the World Stage

Curaçao soccer began in 1909. Young islanders returned from studying in the Netherlands and established CVV Republic, our first football club. The very first match took place in the garden of the Santa Famia Church. Catholic friars helped clear land for proper playing fields. By 1921, the Curaçao Football Federation organized the first championship with eight clubs.

The golden era came in the 1940s-50s. In 1946, Curaçao soccer stunned Dutch giants Feyenoord 4-0. Goalkeeper Ergilio Hato delivered a legendary performance that earned him the nickname “El Pantera Negra” (The Black Panther). The following year, before 37,000 spectators in Rotterdam, we held Feyenoord to a thrilling 3-3 draw. Curaçao won gold at the 1950 Central American and Caribbean Games. We captured bronze at the 1955 Pan-American Games. These victories established Curaçao soccer as a Caribbean power.

The Long Road Back

The Netherlands Antilles dissolved in 2010. Curaçao soccer had to rebuild as an independent nation. The early years brought difficulty. We faced early exits in World Cup qualifying and struggled in regional competition. The turning point came around 2014. Curaçao soccer began recruiting players of Curaçaoan descent from European leagues. This strategy brought higher-level experience to our team.

The breakthrough arrived in 2017. Curaçao captured our first Caribbean Cup championship. We defeated six-time champions Jamaica 2-1 in the final. Willemstad-born striker Elson Hooi scored both goals in an unforgettable victory. This success transformed our program. It qualified us for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup. By 2019, Curaçao soccer reached the Gold Cup quarterfinals. We announced our arrival among CONCACAF’s competitive nations.

The Historic Qualification

The 2026 World Cup qualifying cycle presented an unprecedented opportunity. The tournament expanded to 48 teams. The host nations received automatic berths. More pathways opened for smaller nations. Under Advocaat’s guidance, Curaçao soccer played with remarkable consistency. We opened with a commanding 7-0 victory over Bermuda. We methodically accumulated points throughout the campaign.

The decisive match came on November 18, 2025, in Kingston. We needed just a draw. Curaçao soccer withstood immense pressure. Jamaica struck the woodwork three times. Officials overturned a stoppage-time penalty. The 0-0 result secured first place and automatic qualification. Celebrations ignited across our island and in the Dutch diaspora community.

A Testament to Perseverance

For 116 years, we’ve loved this beautiful game. From those first kicks in a church garden to the world’s biggest stage, Curaçao soccer has given us triumph and heartbreak. We’ve celebrated legendary heroes like Ergilio Hato. We’ve experienced countless moments that united our island. The 1946 victory over Feyenoord inspired us. The 1950 gold medal proved our talent. The 2017 Caribbean Cup brought us closer to this dream. Each milestone mattered.

Now, as we prepare for 2026, every Curaçaoan carries this achievement in their heart. Our children will grow up knowing that on our small island, we proved something powerful. Passion, unity, and determination can overcome any obstacle. When our boys take the field at the World Cup, they won’t just represent 156,000 people. They’ll carry the dreams of every generation that believed in Curaçao soccer.

At Bon Trade, we’ve spent three decades connecting our island to the world through reliable freight services. Now Curaçao soccer has connected us to the world in a way we never imagined. We are small, but our hearts beat as loud as any nation on earth. This is our moment, and we’ve earned every second of it.