Curacao have become the latest nation to name their official squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup as they make their debut at the tournament.
Curacao’s head coach is a well known name, with experienced manager Dick Advocaat being at the helm. Advocaat has named his 26-man squad to travel to North America, Canada and Mexico as they hope to spring a surprise on everyone and succeed.
There aren’t many names that will be known by fans of English football with Ar’jany Martha of Rotherham United, Tahith Chong of Sheffield United and Middlesbrough’s Sontje Hansen being the only representative from English clubs.
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Curacao World Cup 2026 squad
| Squad number | Player | Position | Domestic club | International caps | International goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eloy Room | GK | Miami FC (United States) | 70 | 0 |
| 26 | Trevor Doornbusch | GK | VVV-Venlo (Netherlands) | 7 | 0 |
| 25 | Tyrick Bodak | GK | Telstar (Netherlands) | 4 | 0 |
| 3 | Jurien Gaari | DF | Abha (Saudi Arabia) | 58 | 1 |
| 4 | Roshon van Eijma | DF | RKC Waalwijk (Netherlands) | 27 | 1 |
| 5 | Sherel Floranus | DF | PEC Zwolle (Netherlands) | 26 | 0 |
| 20 | Joshua Brenet | DF | Kayserispor (Turkey) | 17 | 1 |
| 2 | Shurandy Sambo | DF | Sparta Rotterdam (Netherlands) | 7 | 0 |
| 18 | Armando Obispo | DF | PSV (Netherlands) | 4 | 0 |
| 23 | Riechedly Bazoer | DF | Konyaspor (Turkey) | 3 | 0 |
| 24 | Deveron Fonville | DF | NEC (Netherlands) | 0 | 0 |
| 10 | Leandro Bacuna | MF | Igdir (Turkey) | 70 | 16 |
| 7 | Juninho Bacuna | MF | Volendam (Nethelands) | 47 | 14 |
| 6 | Godfried Roemeratoe | MF | RKC Waalwijk (Netherlands) | 26 | 1 |
| 22 | Kevin Felida | MF | Den Bosch (Netherlands) | 19 | 1 |
| 8 | Livano Comenencia | MF | Zurich (Switzerland) | 18 | 1 |
| 15 | Ar’jany Martha | MF | Rotherham United (England) | 8 | 2 |
| 13 | Tyrese Noslin | MF | Telstar (Netherlands) | 5 | 1 |
| 21 | Tahith Chong | MF | Sheffield United (England) | 4 | 2 |
| 14 | Kenji Gorre | FW | Maccabi Haifa (Israel) | 37 | 6 |
| 17 | Brandley Kuwas | FW | Volendam (Netherlands) | 34 | 2 |
| 19 | Gervane Kastaneer | FW | Terengganu (Malaysia) | 27 | 9 |
| 11 | Jeremy Antonisse | FW | Kifisia (Greece) | 25 | 3 |
| 16 | Jearl Margaritha | FW | Beveren (Belgium) | 21 | 5 |
| 9 | Jürgen Locadia | FW | Miami FC (United States) | 12 | 1 |
| 12 | Sontje Hansen | FW | Middlesbrough (England) | 5 | 1 |
Curacao has defied all expectations, making history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the smallest nation by both population and area to achieve this feat. Their qualification marks a significant moment for the Caribbean island, firmly establishing their underdog status on the global stage. The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams undoubtedly opened doors, but Curacao seized the opportunity with a determined campaign, culminating in a 0-0 draw with Jamaica that sealed their spot.
The squad, often dubbed the Blue Wave, is a blend of experienced professionals and emerging talents. Key players expected to lead their charge include captain Leandro Bacuna, who shares the honour of being the nation’s most-capped player. His midfield prowess and leadership will be crucial. Juninho Bacuna, another influential midfielder, brings experience from European leagues. Defensively, the team will rely on solid performances from players like Eloy Room in goal. Their collective spirit and tactical discipline will be paramount as they face formidable opponents, aiming to make a memorable impact despite their underdog tag.
- Read more: Curacao World Cup 2026 odds
Three players to look out for this summer
Leandro Bacuna (Igdir)
As captain and joint most-capped player, Leandro Bacuna is the indispensable cornerstone of Curacao’s 2026 World Cup squad. The veteran midfielder, formerly of Aston Villa, brings invaluable Premier League experience and tactical versatility to a debutant side. Beyond his technical ability, Bacuna’s leadership is pivotal; he embodies the island’s “think big” underdog mentality, serving as the bridge between the technical staff and a hungry, diverse roster. His composure in high-pressure transitions and defensive discipline will be vital if the Blue Wave are to navigate the group stages and cause a global upset.
Tahith Chong (Sheffield United)
Born in Willemstad, Tahith Chong’s decision to switch allegiance from the Netherlands in 2025 has provided Curacao with a world-class attacking dimension for their 2026 World Cup campaign. The former Manchester United and current Sheffield United winger brings explosive pace, technical flair, and elite European experience to the Blue Wave. As a primary creative outlet, Chong’s ability to unlock rigid defences through individual brilliance or precise deliveries will be fundamental to Curaçao’s counter-attacking strategy. His presence not only elevates the squad’s tactical ceiling but also serves as a symbolic homecoming for the island’s most high-profile talent.
Kenji Gorre (Maccabi Haifa)
Kenji Gorre, a former Manchester United academy graduate, is set to be a vital offensive engine for Curacao at the 2026 World Cup. Now thriving at Maccabi Haifa, the 31-year-old winger brings a wealth of experience from top-tier leagues in Portugal and Israel. Gorre’s explosive pace and directness on the left flank make him a constant threat in transition, perfectly complementing the creative flair of Tahith Chong. His ability to stretch defences and contribute crucial goals will be fundamental to Dick Advocaat’s tactical setup as the Blue Wave seek to defy the odds on the world stage.
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Curacao World Cup 2026 fixtures
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