Ferrymead Bays · National League - Championship - Final · Midfielder · #0 · New Zealand · 0 yrs
After surpassing Jamaica in the CONCACAF qualifiers, Curaçao will compete in the 2026 World Cup for the first time in its history. As a largely unknown national team, fans are paying close attention to its position in the FIFA World Ranking. For the first time in their history, Curaçao secured a place at the 2026 World Cup. Despite not being a powerhouse national team, they surpassed Jamaica in the CONCACAF qualifiers, earning direct qualification to the tournament. Following this major sporting achievement, they have gained greater recognition, climbing positions in the FIFA World Ranking and potentially looking to surprise their opponents. According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Curaçao are ranked 82nd with 1,294.77 points. With Germany as their first opponent, the result could directly affect their position in the standings. After being ranked 91st in 2024, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 68th in July 2017. Even though Curaçao have improved their position in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, they remain the lowest-ranked team in their group at the 2026 World Cup. Germany currently occupy 10th place in the rankings, Ecuador sit 24th, and Ivory Coast round out the group in 33rd. With this in mind, they face the greatest challenge in their history: Shining on the World Cup stage. Being the smallest country in World Cup history, Curaçao are already looking to leave a mark on the competition, as they have chances of even reaching the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams. With nothing to lose, they arrive with the hopes of impressing in the tournament. In addition, they have already demonstrated their progress in recent years, notably improving their world ranking with FIFA, which brought them to the 2026 World Cup. Juriën Gaari #3 and Jürgen Locadia #9 of Curaçao. What are Curaçao’s upcoming matches in the 2026 World Cup? In their debut at the 2026 World Cup, Curaçao face Germany on June 14 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. They then face Ecuador on June 20 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas, Missouri. Concluding their run in the tournament, they face Ivory Coast on June 25 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Should they manage a strong campaign in the tournament, they could climb positions in the FIFA World Ranking, as they have the advantage of competing in the 2026 World Cup. However, they could also lose positions if they suffer three consecutive defeats. With this being their first appearance in the tournament, they seem to have no pressure, instead risking everything in an effort to shine.
For the first time in their history, Curaçao will compete in the World Cup, having qualified for the 2026 edition. Beyond their soccer skills and competitiveness, they are the smallest country in the tournament, surprising soccer fans around the world. Following FIFA’s new adjustments, Curacao managed to secure their place at the 2026 World Cup, qualifying for the tournament for the first time in history. Although they are not considered a highly competitive powerhouse, they have already become one of the biggest talking points among fans. In addition, they represent the smallest country ever to appear in the tournament. Curaçao have a total area of 171 square miles (around 444 square kilometers) and a total population of only 158,000. Because of this, they are the smallest country to qualify for a World Cup in the tournament’s 96-year history. While Iceland held the record for the smallest population among World Cup participants in 2018, it now belongs to Curaçao, whose size is comparable to that of New Orleans, at roughly 440 square kilometers. Even though they are an island located near Venezuela, they compete in CONCACAF, where they secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup. To do so, they managed to surpass Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bermuda in Group B of the third round of the qualifiers. Without a world-class roster, they could struggle defensively, as their most recent friendlies against Scotland, Australia, and China resulted in multiple defeats. Despite their small population, they are looking to make a statement at the 2026 World Cup. To do so, they will be aiming to defeat Germany, as they seek to climb the standings in Group E, where they will also face Ecuador and Ivory Coast. Without any high-profile stars in their roster, they could rely on a solid collective style of play. Juriën Gaari #3 of Curacao looks to play the ball during the training. Curacao eye historic breakthrough at the 2026 World Cup With Germany and Ecuador as their direct rivals in the 2026 World Cup, Curaçao may not have an easy path to securing one of the top two spots. However, they could still aim to write their name into the tournament’s history, as they still have a strong chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, due to the reintroduced best third-placed teams system. Following the expansion to 48 national teams, FIFA reintroduced the best third-placed teams system. Although it had disappeared after the 1994 World Cup, it was adjusted once again, giving eight national teams the chance to advance to the knockout stages. With this in mind, Curaçao could aim to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams and, with this being their debut in these stages of the tournament, make a major statement on the world stage.
Derek McInnes is a logical appointment who will thrive on the challenge of rebuilding Rangers, says Dave McPherson. The Hearts head coach is being strongly linked with a move to Ibrox, with Danny Rohl expected to depart for RB Salzburg. "Rangers need a bit of stability," said former Scotland defender McPherson, who had two spells with the club, along with two stints with Hearts.
