Curacao Name Debut World Cup Squad As Advocaat Returns
Curacao have named their World Cup 2026 squad, confirming the 26 players for the smallest nation ever to qualify. The Curacao national team enter the tournament with Dick Advocaat back in charge after a late coaching twist. Their debut now has a full roster, a record-setting coach, and a demanding Group E route. Fans can follow the full FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule as the opening match approaches.
Curacao are ranked 82nd in the FIFA world rankings and carry a population of just over 150,000. That scale makes their qualification one of the tournament’s defining stories before a ball is kicked. Middlesbrough winger Sontje Hansen, Sheffield United forward Tahith Chong, and Sparta Rotterdam defender Shurandy Sambo are among the named players. The squad also includes Miami FC goalkeeper Eloy Room and Jurgen Locadia.
Advocaat Returns For A Historic Debut
Advocaat stepped back into the role after Fred Rutten resigned close to the tournament. At 78, the Dutch coach is set to become the oldest coach in World Cup history. He would pass Otto Rehhagel, who led Greece at age 71 in 2010. That record gives Curacao another global storyline beyond their status as the smallest qualified nation.
The timing creates a clear challenge. A late coaching change can unsettle a squad before its first World Cup, yet Advocaat knows the group and the federation setup. Curacao need that familiarity because their first three matches leave little margin for confusion. The staff must quickly settle the goalkeeper, back line, and attacking roles.
Full Curacao World Cup 2026 Squad
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| 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), Jurien Gaari (Abha Club), Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven), Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam) |
| Midfielders | Juninho Bacuna (FC Volendam), Leandro Bacuna (Igdir), Livano Comenencia (FC Zurich), 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 Gorre (Maccabi Haifa), Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough), Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu FC), Brandley Kuwas (FC Volendam), Jurgen Locadia (Miami FC), Jearl Margaritha (SK Beveren) |
The goalkeeper group gives Advocaat three different profiles. Room brings senior international experience and now plays in the United States, while Bodak and Doornbusch arrive from Dutch club football. That decision matters because Curacao will face long spells without the ball against elite opponents. A calm goalkeeper can keep the debut from turning into survival mode too early.
The defensive list includes players with Turkish, Dutch, Saudi, and PSV experience. Bazoer, Brenet, Obispo, Floranus, and Sambo give Advocaat enough flexibility to protect central areas or defend wider lanes. Curacao will need that range because Germany and Ecuador can stretch teams in different ways. Ivory Coast then add power and speed in the final group match.
Group E Starts With Germany
Curacao open Group E against Germany on June 14. They then face Ecuador on June 21 before meeting Ivory Coast four days later. That is a brutal first World Cup path for a debutant. The opening match will test whether Curacao can defend compactly and still counter with speed.
The expanded 48-team format gives third-place teams a possible route to the knockouts. Curacao do not need to win the group to create history. They need enough points, goal difference control, and discipline to stay in the best-third-place conversation. That makes every substitution and late defensive sequence important.
Hansen, Chong And Locadia Give Curacao Attacking Options
Hansen and Chong give Curacao two recognisable wide threats from English football. Hansen arrives from Middlesbrough, while Chong brings direct running and Championship-level intensity from Sheffield United. Locadia adds experience and central-forward presence. Advocaat can use that group to attack transitions rather than chase long possession spells.
The Bacuna brothers also give the midfield a familiar tournament edge. Juninho Bacuna and Leandro Bacuna can help Curacao connect defence to attack under pressure. Roemeratoe and Comenencia add work rate, while Martha and Noslin give the staff younger energy. The midfield must protect the back line and still release the forwards quickly.
Why This Squad Release Matters Now
This squad release turns Curacao’s qualification story into a real tournament plan. Supporters now know the players who will represent the island in its first World Cup. The late Advocaat return adds drama, but the roster gives the team a stable football base. That balance matters before a group that includes one former world champion and two dangerous knockout candidates.
Fans following FIFA World Cup news should watch three areas before June 14: the goalkeeper choice, the centre-back pairing, and the role of Hansen and Chong. Curacao will not be judged by possession numbers. Their tournament will depend on defensive concentration, set pieces, and fast counters when Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast leave space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curacao now have the names, the coach, and the schedule. The next step is turning a record-breaking debut into a competitive Group E campaign.
Use FWCTimes.com for the latest FIFA World Cup 2026 updates.
Read Also: Curacao World Cup 2026 Coach Change: Advocaat Set for Shock Return
