Tiny Curacao is headed to the World Cup. make history as the smallest qualifying territory in terms of population and mass of land.
People play soccer on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Willemstad, Curacao. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
Brenton Valentian, known as Blueface, leader of supporters of the Curacao national soccer team, poses with face paint in the team’s colors on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Willemstad, Curacao. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
A boy plays soccer in Willemstad, Curacao, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
Inter Willemstad and Centro Dominguito play local league soccer in Willemstad, Curacao, Friday, May 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
Commuters drive past a sign displaying the Curacao national soccer team on Friday, May 15, 2026 in Willemstad, Curacao. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
A boy finishes soccer practice on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Willemstad, Curacao. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
Curacao national soccer team uniforms on sale at a store in Willemstad, Curacao, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix)
Tourists walk past a mural celebrating Curacao’s FIFA World Cup qualification in Willemstad, Curacao, Thursday, May 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
Children practice at the C Stars United Soccer Academy in Willemstad, Curacao, on Friday, May 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
Brenton Valentian, known as Blueface, leader of the Curaçao national soccer team’s soccer fans, picks up his daughter in Willemstad, Curaçao, on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
Inter Willemstad fans cheer during a Curacao Soccer League game against Centro Dominguito on Friday, May 15, 2026 in Willemstad, Curacao. (AP Photo/Matthias Delacroix)
