US EditionCuracao, Suriname on verge of joining World Cup party
Both Caribbean teams can secure historic World Cup spots based on upcoming matches and goal difference, with Curacao aiming to avoid defeat and Suriname needing a victory.
- On Tuesday, Curacao and Suriname can clinch qualification for the 2026 World Cup; Curacao must avoid defeat against Jamaica in Kingston while Suriname can qualify with a win in Guatemala City depending on Panama's result.
- FIFA's expansion to 48 teams widened access, opening more paths for smaller nations like Curacao, whose dominant win last week put them top of their CONCACAF qualifying group.
- Suriname lead their group on goal difference and can clinch with a victory in Guatemala City provided Panama do not beat already-eliminated El Salvador; if both win, Suriname must have superior goal difference.
- Joining other first-time teams, Curacao could qualify for the 2026 World Cup if they avoid defeat against Jamaica in Kingston on Tuesday, as FIFA expands the tournament to 48 teams.
- Curacao would become the least populous nation ever to qualify with a population of just over 150,000, the reaction underscoring the broader significance of these paths.
24 Articles
24 Articles
This live blog focuses on Curaçao's historic World Cup qualification and Suriname's (not yet fatal) defeat.
The hours are ticking away and the tension is mounting: will Curaçao and Suriname secure a historic World Cup spot? National coach Dick Advocaat, absent from Curaçao, is in front of the television in the Netherlands, but where can the matches be watched?
Radio France Internationale
Curacao, Suriname on verge of joining World Cup party
In the H group of the Concaf (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean) tonight it is decided the fate of the island that dreams: direct confrontation against Jamaica
"Dad, I don't really want you to come with me," says 22-year-old Joey van Ravenstein from Oss with great confidence, just before leaving for Curaçao on Wednesday. There, he and his teammates will represent the Netherlands as a footballer at the Special Olympics Kingdom Games. It's difficult for his father, Jos, to hear, but he believes the message also reflects Joey's development, as he has autism and ADHD. Joey can't quite pinpoint Curaçao's ex…
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