Boluwatife Kehinde
As the qualification for the 2026 World Cup continues, Curaçao has become the smallest country to qualify for the tournament.
The tiny Caribbean nation of Curaçao achieved this historic milestone on November 18, following a crucial 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston. With a population of just 156,000 people, Curaçao secured the draw they needed to clinch their ticket to the World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Curaçao, known as the ‘Blue Wave,’ finished at the top of Group B with 12 points from six games, just one point ahead of Jamaica. This qualification marks their participation in the expanded tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.
Prior to Curaçao, the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup was Iceland in 2018, with a population of around 350,000.
Meanwhile, earlier this week, Nigeria’s quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a painful end on Sunday night after the Super Eagles were edged out by DR Congo in a tense penalty shootout at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
The game had begun brightly for Nigeria, who struck first through Frank Onyeka. The midfielder benefited from a deflected Zaidu Sanusi delivery, smashing home a shot that brushed Arthur Masuaku on its way into the net. The early breakthrough lifted the Eagles, who pressed forward with intent. Wilfred Ndidi tested Mpazi-Nzau from distance, and an Ademola Lookman cut-back created a moment of confusion between Ndidi and Samuel Chukwueze, wasting a chance to double the lead.
But DR Congo responded with precision. A sharp breakaway midway through the first half saw Cédric Bakambu tee up Meschack Elia, who coolly finished past Stanley Nwabali to pull the Leopards level and disrupt Super Eagles’ rhythm heading into the interval.
