History Makers: Curacao Names Debut World Cup Squad as Smallest Nation Ever

The ultimate World Cup underdog story has its roster. Curacao, the smallest country by both population and landmass ever to qualify for the tournament, has officially announced its 26-man squad for this summer’s historic appearance.

Boasting a population of just over 150,000 and occupying a tiny Caribbean island of 171 square miles, the 82nd-ranked nation is ready to shock the world. Their star-studded lineup features some recognizable names from English and European football, including:

Tahith Chong (Sheffield United forward)
Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough winger)
Shurandy Sambo (Burnley defender, currently on loan at Sparta Rotterdam)

The Return of the “Little General”

Curacao’s journey to the finals has been nothing short of a roller coaster. In a dramatic twist, legendary manager Dick Advocaat made a surprise return to the dugout just a week before the announcement.

Advocaat had stepped down in February, but his successor Fred Rutten abruptly resigned only a month out from the opening match. At 78 years old, the seasoned Dutch tactician is now set to break the record for the oldest manager in World Cup history, a title previously held by Otto Rehhagel (who coached Greece at age 71 in 2010).

Group E Schedule: A Clash of Titans

The newly expanded 48-team World Cup kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico on June 11. Curacao faces a brutal but thrilling baptism of fire in Group E:

14 June: Germany (Four-time World Cup Winners)
21 June: Ecuador
25 June: Ivory Coast

Official Curacao 2026 World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Tyrick Bodak (SC Telstar)
Trevor Doornbusch (VVV-Venlo)
Eloy Room (Miami FC)

Defenders

Riechedly Bazoer (Konyaspor)
Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor)
Roshon Van Eijma (RKC Waalwijk)
Sherel Floranus (PEC Zwolle)
Deveron Fonville (NEC Nijmegen)
Jurien Gaari (Abha Club)
Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven)
Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam)

Midfielders

Juninho Bacuna (FC Volendam)
Leandro Bacuna (Igdır)
Livano Comenencia (FC Zurich)
Kevin Felida (FC Den Bosch)
Ar’Jany Martha (Rotherham United)
Tyrese Noslin (SC Telstar)
Godfried Roemeratoe (RKC Waalwijk)

Forwards

Jeremy Antonisse (AE Kifisia)
Tahith Chong (Sheffield United)
Kenji Gorré (Maccabi Haifa)
Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough)
Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu FC)
Brandley Kuwas (FC Volendam)
Jurgen Locadia (Miami FC)
Jearl Margaritha (SK Beveren)

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