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Melbourne Village Today
By the People, for the People
Curacao Coach Believes Tiny Team Can Surprise at World Cup
Fred Rutten says his squad is ready to defy the odds in Qatar.
Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:07am
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Curacao coach Fred Rutten is confident his team can pull off some surprises at the upcoming 2026 World Cup in Qatar. Despite being one of the smallest nations competing, Rutten believes Curacao has the talent and determination to make an impact on the global stage.
Why it matters
Curacao, with a population of just over 160,000, is one of the smallest countries ever to qualify for the World Cup. Their appearance is a testament to the growth of soccer in the Caribbean region and provides an underdog story that many fans will be eager to follow.
The details
Rutten, who has coached Curacao's national team since 2024, has assembled a squad of players from the country's domestic league as well as a few overseas-based stars. He believes his team's speed, work ethic, and tactical flexibility will allow them to compete with larger soccer powers.
- Curacao qualified for the 2026 World Cup in Qatar after a successful campaign in CONCACAF qualifying.
- The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from November 21 to December 18.
The players
Fred Rutten
The head coach of the Curacao national team, who has expressed confidence in his squad's ability to surprise at the World Cup.
Curacao
A small Caribbean island nation with a population of just over 160,000, making it one of the smallest countries ever to qualify for the World Cup.
What they’re saying
“We may be small, but we have a lot of heart and determination. I believe we can shock some of the bigger teams and make our country proud.”
— Fred Rutten, Curacao National Team Head Coach
What’s next
The Curacao national team will continue their preparations for the World Cup, including a series of friendly matches against other qualified teams in the lead-up to the tournament.
The takeaway
Curacao's World Cup qualification is a remarkable achievement for a small island nation, and their coach's belief in the team's ability to surprise larger opponents has captured the imagination of soccer fans around the world.
