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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