Which is the smallest team ever to qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup? Their windowless bus arrival sparked buzz

Curaçao’s journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already become one of football’s most talked-about stories. The Caribbean island, home to just over 150,000 people, is the smallest nation by both population and land size ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup. Now, even before kicking a ball at the tournament, the team has gone viral for a very different reason. As some of the world’s biggest football stars travel in luxury coaches and private jets, Curaçao’s players were recently seen arriving in an old school bus without windows. The video quickly spread online, with many fans comparing the moment to the famous Jamaican bobsled team from the movie Cool Runnings. While the images surprised many supporters, they also reflected the humble path that has brought Curaçao to football’s biggest stage.

The achievement remains a huge source of pride on the island. Curaçao booked its place at the 2026 World Cup after earning a tense 0-0 draw against Jamaica last November. The result secured a historic qualification and sparked celebrations across the country. For a nation that many football fans had never heard of before, reaching the World Cup has already changed how the world sees the island.

Juninho Bacuna, Tahith Chong and Leandro Bacuna explain Curaçao’s historic FIFA World Cup journey

The excitement surrounding the team has not slowed down since qualification. Midfielder Juninho Bacuna said people around the world have started learning about the island because of football.

“It’s crazy. Since we qualified for the World Cup, you see some people thinking, like, ‘Who is Curaçao?’, and then they’re going to look it up and see, like, ‘Oh, okay. Curaçao is quite nice’.”

Midfielder Tahith Chong, who was born on the island and plays for Sheffield United, said the World Cup has become a daily topic of conversation at home.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I think for all of us, everyone’s been proud. The World Cup, I don’t think the island has stopped talking about the World Cup.”

Curaçao’s story is also unique because the island remains part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Every player in the squad holds Dutch nationality, and many were born in the Netherlands after their families moved there for better opportunities.

Captain Leandro Bacuna, who was born in Groningen in the Netherlands, said his connection to Curaçao has always been clear.

“I grew up in the Netherlands. I was born in the Netherlands. And my father, the first thing he said to me is that ‘you’re not from the Netherlands. You are pure Curaçao.’”

The team’s success means even more because many people on the island face economic challenges. For young players, football can open doors to opportunities they may not otherwise have. Now, Curaçao will test itself against some of the sport’s biggest names after being drawn into Group E with Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.