In a stunning conclusion to the regional qualifying campaign, the island of Curaçao has etched its name into football history, securing a place at next year’s expanded World Cup. The team, representing a nation of just over 150,000 people, clinched their historic ticket with a resilient 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston.
The result in Jamaica was fraught with tension, especially in the dying moments. The home side, needing a victory to qualify directly, struck the woodwork three times in the second half and were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time. However, after a video review, the spot-kick decision was overturned, preserving the precious draw for Curaçao and sparking celebrations for the smallest nation ever to reach the global finals.
The night also delivered a long-awaited return for Haiti, which booked its first World Cup appearance in over half a century. Playing their “home” qualifier in Curaçao due to domestic instability, Haiti secured a 2-0 victory over Nicaragua. That win, combined with other results in Group C, propelled them to the top of their section and ended a 52-year absence from the tournament.
Panama claimed the third and final automatic qualification spot from the region with a 3-0 home win over El Salvador. The results ended the direct qualification hopes of Suriname, though they remain in contention for a place via the upcoming intercontinental playoffs.
For Curaçao, topping Group B ahead of Jamaica marks the culmination of an extraordinary journey, setting a new benchmark for footballing nations with small populations. The team, which had to navigate the final match without its veteran coach due to a personal matter, held firm under immense pressure to complete a remarkable footballing fairytale.