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Curaçao Arrives at World Cup in Windowless Bus

The Dutch‑linked squad is training from a Florida base under returned coach Dick Advocaat as it prepares to face Germany on June 14.

Overview

  • Curaçao secured its World Cup spot with an unbeaten qualifying run that finished with a 0-0 draw in Jamaica in November 2025, making it the smallest country by population and area ever to qualify.
  • The team has completed its final 23‑player squad and is holding a training base near Fort Lauderdale while wrapping up warm‑ups and travel to host cities ahead of the tournament.
  • Veteran coach Dick Advocaat returned to lead the side after a brief managerial change in early 2026, and he will be the oldest manager at the World Cup.
  • Tahith Chong is the only squad member born on Curaçao after his FIFA‑approved switch in August 2025, and most players on the roster are Dutch‑born or Dutch‑developed through a targeted nationalization program.
  • The squad’s arrival generated viral attention for its windowless school‑bus ride and widespread fan celebration on the island, a boost that has heightened national pride and could spur economic and cultural attention during and after the tournament.