Curaçao, Haiti, and Panama Qualify for 2026 world Cup; Suriname and Jamaica to Playoffs
MIAMI, FL – November 21, 2023 – Curaçao has become the smallest nation by population to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup, securing a spot in the expanded 2026 tournament alongside Haiti and Panama. The qualification results finalize several CONCACAF berths, while Jamaica and Suriname will compete in playoffs for additional chances to reach the finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Curaçao clinched its first-ever World Cup appearance with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica, maintaining its undefeated record atop Group B of CONCACAF qualifying. The Caribbean nation, with a population of 156,115 as of January, surpasses Iceland (population of roughly 364,000 in 2018) as the smallest FIFA member to qualify for the tournament. Head coach Dick Advocaat was absent from the match due to family commitments in his home country.
Panama secured its second World Cup qualification, following their debut in 2018, with a decisive 3-0 victory over El Salvador. Haiti also earned a ticket, winning Group C with a 2-0 triumph over Nicaragua, overcoming favored opponents Honduras and Costa Rica. haiti’s only previous World Cup participation was in 1974, held in West Germany.
Jamaica and Suriname will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in March,battling for the remaining World Cup spots. Suriname secured its playoff berth despite a 3-1 loss to guatemala, benefiting from a late own goal that edged them past Honduras.
With these results, 42 of the 48 teams participating in the 2026 World Cup have now been confirmed.
Source: ntv.de, tsi/dpa/sid
