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Curaçao's Football Heroes Receive Hero's Welcome
The Curaçao national football team returned home to a massive celebration in Willemstad on Wednesday after making history by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Thousands of ecstatic fans lined the streets as players rode through the capital on an open-top bus, marking the culmination of an extraordinary achievement for the tiny Caribbean nation.
Unprecedented Achievement for Smallest World Cup Nation
Curaçao has become the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup final tournament, with a population of just 155,000 people. The qualification was secured with a dramatic 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston on Tuesday night, sending the entire island into celebrations that have continued for nearly 24 hours. 'This is so beautiful for the island and the players who have come from far,' said coach Dick Advocaat in an interview with AD.
Grand Parade Through Willemstad
The government-organized parade began at Hato Airport around 3:30 PM local time, with the team arriving directly from Jamaica. The motorcade traveled through multiple neighborhoods of Willemstad before reaching the final destination at Waaigat, where an official ceremony awaited. Schools and government offices closed early to allow everyone to participate in the historic celebration.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and Minister of Education Sithree van Heydoorn delivered speeches honoring the team's achievement, while local artists including DJ Argenis Huerta and Grupo Oriri performed for the massive crowd. The celebration continued well into the evening, concluding with fireworks over the city.
Coach Advocaat's Record-Breaking Achievement
Though absent from the celebrations due to personal reasons, 78-year-old coach Dick Advocaat will become the oldest manager in World Cup history when he leads Curaçao at the 2026 tournament. 'My most beautiful achievement ever? Well, certainly the craziest thing I've ever achieved as a coach,' Advocaat told reporters. His assistant Cor Pot led the team during the crucial qualification match.
International Recognition
The achievement has drawn international attention, with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport proclaiming 'Curaçao is also participating!' and French sports paper L'Équipe calling it 'the miracle of Curaçao, a tiny Caribbean island.' Spanish outlet Marca also described the qualification as 'a miracle' that took place in Kingston.
As the celebrations wind down, Curaçao can now look forward to the World Cup draw on December 5th and begin preparations for the tournament that begins on June 11, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
