Curacao tiniest nation with oldest coach at World Cup

The tiny Caribbean nation of Curacao became the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup on Nov 18, as Haiti booked their return to the tournament for the first time in 52 years along with Panama.

- 

A nerve-shredding finale to the North, Central American and Caribbean qualifying campaign saw Curacao - with a population of just over 150,000 - squeeze into the 2026 Finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston.

The result cost Jamaica coach Steve McClaren his job. “Sometimes the best thing a leader can do is to recognise when a fresh voice, new energy and a different perspective is required to move this team forward,” said the former England manager.

Haiti, meanwhile, who last appeared at the World Cup in 1974, also completed an improbable qualification campaign with a 2-0 win over Nicaragua, thanks to goals from Louicius Deedson and Ruben Providence.

Ironically, Haiti secured their decisive qualification victory in Curacao, where the team have been forced to play their home qualifiers due to unrest in their homeland.