Ex-Man Utd star Tahith Chong headlines Curacao’s historic World Cup squad

Ex-Man Utd star Tahith Chong headlines Curacao’s historic World Cup squad

Curacao’s football federation on Monday unveiled its first-ever FIFA World Cup squad for the 2026 tournament.

With a population of about 156,000 and a land area of only 171 square miles, the Caribbean nation becomes the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup.

Curacao secured qualification after topping their CONCACAF group with a goalless draw against Jamaica.

Veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who guided the Netherlands at USA 1994 and South Korea at Germany 2006, returned to lead the team after briefly stepping down in February.

At 78, he will become the oldest manager in World Cup history. The squad also includes former Manchester United winger Tahith Chong, now playing for Sheffield United in the Championship.

Curacao World Squad in Full

Goalkeepers: Tyrick Bodak (SC Telstar), Trevor Doornbusch (VVV-Venlo), Eloy Room (Miami FC)

Defenders: Riechedly Bazoer (Konyaspor), Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor), Roshon Van Eijma (RKC Waalwijk), Sherel Floranus (PEC Zwolle), Deveron Fonville (NEC Nijmegen), JuriBn Gaari (Abha Club), Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven), Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam)

Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna (FC Volendam), Leandro Bacuna (Iğdır), Livano Comenencia (FC ZFCrich), Kevin Felida (FC Den Bosch), Ar’Jany Martha (Rotherham United), Tyrese Noslin (SC Telstar), Godfried Roemeratoe (RKC Waalwijk)

Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse (AE Kifisia), Tahith Chong (Sheffield United), Kenji Gorr9 (Maccabi Haifa), Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough), Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu FC), Brandley Kuwas (FC Volendam), JFCrgen Locadia (Miami FC), Jearl Margaritha (SK Beveren)