The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams, a change designed to broaden the tournament’s global reach and provide opportunities for emerging football nations. Following the conclusion of Concacaf qualifying, the island of Curaçao has become the smallest nation by population to ever secure a spot in the World Cup [[1]], [[2]], [[3]]. With a population of roughly 155,000, Curaçao’s qualification is a historic achievement, demonstrating the impact of the expanded format and signaling a new era for the sport’s global landscape.
The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament, hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has opened the door for nations previously on the outside looking in to compete on the world’s biggest stage. This broadened access has allowed countries with limited World Cup history – and even those with none at all – to make their mark.
Curacao has seized this opportunity, securing a direct berth to the 2026 competition following the conclusion of Concacaf qualifying.
Few predicted this outcome, but the island nation has earned its place in the tournament, etching its name into football history.
Led by manager Dick Advocaat, Curacao didn’t just qualify; they also set a remarkable record.
The nation has become the smallest and least populated country to ever qualify for a World Cup.
The island covers just 444 square kilometers, and its population is estimated to be between 155,000 and 165,000 people.
Curacao surpassed Trinidad and Tobago’s land area of 5,128 square kilometers to claim the title of smallest qualifying nation.
They also edged out Iceland in terms of population, with Iceland boasting approximately 350,000 residents.
