Curaçao is among several nations that will make their debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to Goal.com, multiple countries will participate in the World Cup for the first time in 2026, including Curaçao and Cape Verde. The expansion of the tournament to 48 participating nations has created additional qualification pathways, enabling a broader range of countries to compete at the highest level of international football.

Goal.com raises the question of whether these debutant nations are capable of producing notable results against more established footballing countries. Historical precedent suggests that first-time participants have achieved varying degrees of success, with some advancing beyond the group stage while others have been eliminated at an early juncture.

Curaçao has recorded consistent progress in international football rankings in recent years and secured its qualification through the CONCACAF qualifying rounds. The national squad includes a number of players of Curaçaoan descent who are currently active at European club level.

Cape Verde, competing within the CAF qualification zone, has similarly demonstrated considerable development and is regarded as one of the more competitive African nations in the lead-up to the tournament.

The respective football associations could not be reached for comment.