Curaçao Unveils 2026 World Cup Squad in Stunning Announcement

Dick Advocaat, the veteran head coach of Curaçao’s national football team, has announced his squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a remarkable and unconventional manner that captured widespread attention.

At 78 years old, Advocaat is poised to set a new record as the oldest coach to participate in a World Cup, surpassing the previous record held by German coach Otto Rehhagel, who led Greece in the 2010 tournament at age 71.

Curaçao is gearing up for its debut appearance at the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The island’s qualification has become one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories, given its small population of roughly 150,000 and land area of about 171 square miles.

The World Cup draw placed Curaçao in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast, setting the stage for a challenging group phase.

Among the notable players selected for the squad is Tahith Chong, currently playing for Sheffield United and formerly of Manchester United.

Complete Curaçao 2026 World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers: Teriek Budak (Telstar, Netherlands), Trevor Doornbusch (Venlo, Netherlands), Eloy Room (Miami, USA).

Defenders: Rishiedly Bazoer (Konyaspor, Turkey), Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor, Turkey), Roshon van Eijma (Willem II, Netherlands), Sherel Floranus (Zwolle, Netherlands), Deyverson Fonville (Nijmegen, Netherlands), Jurien Gary (Abha, Saudi Arabia), Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands).

Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna (Volendam, Netherlands), Leandro Bacuna (İstanbul Başakşehir, Turkey), Livano Comenencia (Zurich, Switzerland), Kevin Felida (Den Bosch, Netherlands), Arjani Martha (Rotherham United, England), Terice Nusslin (Telstar, Netherlands), Godfried Roemeratoe (Willem II, Netherlands).

Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse (Kifisia, Greece), Tahith Chong (Sheffield United, England), Kenji Gorré (Maccabi Haifa), Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough, England), Jervani Castaner (Terengganu, Malaysia), Brandley Kuwas (Volendam, Netherlands), Jurgen Locadia (Miami, USA), Geril Margritha (Beveren, Belgium).