World Cup: Curacao becomes the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup after tying with Jamaica

The tiny Caribbean island of Curacao has become the youngest country ever to qualify for the World Cup after drawing with Steve McClaren’s Jamaica.

The record was held by 2018 finalists Iceland, but their country is much larger than Curacao, with a population of just over 150,000 (similar to Cambridge or Huddersfield) and a land area of ​​171 square miles, smaller than the Isle of Man.

Former England coach McClaren resigned as coach of Jamaica after his team, which needed to win in Kingston to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1998, drew 0-0, including a penalty kick in stoppage time that was ruled out by VAR.

Curacao coach Dick Advocaat, who did not attend the match for personal reasons, will become the oldest coach in the World Cup at 78 years old, breaking Otto Rehhagel’s record when he was coaching Greece at the age of 71 years in 2010.

Curacao, located 37 miles off the coast of Venezuela, only became a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010, after the breakup of the Netherlands Antilles.

Ten years ago they were 150th in the FIFA world rankings. Now they are 82.

The expanded format for the 2026 World Cup, featuring 48 nations instead of 32, plus automatic qualification for Canada, Mexico and the United States, has given Curacao a much better chance as they become the fourth first-time entrant in next summer’s tournament – joining Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Jordan.

“It’s crazy and it will be one of the biggest things to happen for Curacao,” former Huddersfield, Rangers and Birmingham midfielder Juninho Bacuna said before the match.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, he added: “It’s unbelievable and amazing. Until a few years ago you wouldn’t even think about it.”

“To personally be a part of it and make this dream come true would be incredible.”

In 10 qualifying matches, they won seven and finished their campaign unbeaten.

Their fairy tale appeared to be shattered in the fourth of the five minutes added at the end of the game when Curaçao substitute Jeremy Antunes appeared to bring down Isaac Hayden, and El Salvador referee Ivan Barton immediately pointed to the spot.

But the VAR quickly encouraged the referee to check the incident on the small touchline screen and reversed his decision, causing panic among the fans.

They will be joined in the World Cup finals by CONCACAF qualifiers Haiti and Panama, while Jamaica must compete in the continental qualifiers.

The Caribbean island of Haiti secured its place in the World Cup finals for the first time since 1974 after beating Nicaragua 2-0.