#83
FIFA Ranking
0
WC Appearances
Never qualified
Best Finish
—
Last World Cup
Road to the 2026 World Cup
Curaçao secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup through the North/Central America qualification pathway. As a CONCACAF representative, they were among 6 teams from their confederation to earn a spot in the expanded 48-team tournament.
Currently ranked #83 in the FIFA World Rankings, Curaçao enters the tournament as a underdog team with expectations to compete at the highest level. As potential World Cup debutants, they'll be eager to make their mark on the global stage.
Group E Analysis
Curaçao has been drawn in Group E and will face three opponents in the group stage. Each team plays 3 matches, with the top 2 advancing automatically and 8 best third-place teams also qualifying for the Round of 32.
Group E Opponents
Germany
FIFA Ranking: #3 • Elite opponent
Ivory Coast
FIFA Ranking: #38 • Moderate opponent
Ecuador
FIFA Ranking: #30 • Strong opponent
Group E Fixtures for Curaçao
Match 9
Jun 14, 2026
Germany
vs.
Curaçao
NRG Stadium, Houston
Match 28
Jun 20, 2026
Ecuador
vs.
Curaçao
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
Match 52
Jun 25, 2026
Curaçao
vs.
Ivory Coast
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Tournament Outlook
Realistic Expectations
Compete hard in every match and aim to pick up points. Finishing third with a chance at advancement or causing an upset would exceed expectations.
Best-Case Scenario
Pull off surprising results and sneak into the knockout stage as a third-place qualifier. World Cups reward teams that fight until the final whistle.
Key Challenges
Facing technically superior opponents and managing the physical demands of tournament football. Staying organized defensively while creating goal-scoring opportunities will be key.
Can Curaçao Win the World Cup?
Curaçao faces long odds to win the World Cup, but the beauty of tournament football is that any team can have their moment. The expanded 48-team format gives more nations the opportunity to compete and potentially cause upsets.
For Curaçao, success in 2026 means competing with pride, gaining valuable experience, and potentially picking up points or even advancing from the group stage. Every journey starts somewhere, and participation in the World Cup is a significant achievement in itself.
World Cup History
Curaçao will be making their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026! This marks a historic moment for the nation and its football program.
Qualifying for the World Cup for the first time represents years of development, investment in football infrastructure, and the hard work of players, coaches, and administrators. The 2026 tournament will provide invaluable experience and exposure on the global stage.
While Curaçao may not have World Cup history yet, every legendary football nation had to start somewhere. This debut could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the country's sporting story.
Predict Curaçao's Tournament Journey
Build your complete World Cup 2026 bracket: rank all 12 groups, select third-place qualifiers, and pick your champion. Free, no login required.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Curaçao play at World Cup 2026?▾
Curaçao will play their first group stage match on June 14, 2026 against Germany. All three group stage matches will be completed by late June 2026, with knockout stage dates depending on their final group position.
Who is in Group E with Curaçao?▾
Curaçao has been drawn into Group E alongside Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Each team will play three matches in the group stage, with the top 2 teams automatically advancing to the Round of 32 and the 8 best third-place teams also qualifying.
What is Curaçao's best World Cup finish?▾
Curaçao's best World Cup finish is Never qualified. They will be looking to improve on this result at the 2026 tournament.
Can Curaçao win the World Cup 2026?▾
While Curaçao faces long odds to win the tournament outright, football is known for its surprises. Their realistic goal for 2026 is to advance from the group stage and gain momentum in the knockout rounds. Success builds over time, and a strong showing in 2026 could set the foundation for future World Cup campaigns. Every underdog story starts somewhere.