The Caribbean island of Curacao will become the tiniest country – by land and by population – to feature at a World Cup. With just 158,000 residents, the territory is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and will open Group E against Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast in Houston on Sunday.

Only one squad member, Tahith Chong, was born on the island; the other 25 hail from the Dutch mainland. Captain Leandro Bacuna stressed the team's focus on results, while veteran coach Dick Advocaat, aged 78, returns as the oldest manager in tournament history. The side leans heavily on its diaspora, many of whom switched allegiance after years in Dutch youth systems.

Curacao qualified unbeaten with seven wins and three draws, sparking island‑wide celebrations and a surge in tourism interest. Thousands of “Blue Wave” fans are expected in Houston, some arriving on charter flights. Their debut will demonstrate that a micro‑state can compete on football’s biggest stage.