WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s national football team will receive a significant boost in September as it gears up for the decisive phase of its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. At least four new players will join head coach Dick Advocaat’s squad. 

The reinforcements include central defender Tommy St. Jago (KV Mechelen, Belgium), versatile defender Riechedly Bazoer (currently at Konyaspor, Turkey), winger Tahith Chong (Luton Town, England), and central defender Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands). 

In addition, Sontje Hansen (NEC Nijmegen) and another as-yet unnamed player are in talks with the Curaçao Football Federation. The new arrivals are expected to strengthen the squad for what could be the most important matches in the island’s football history. 

All or Nothing in Group B 

Curaçao is competing in the third and final round of the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers. The draw placed the team in Group B alongside Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Bermuda. Jamaica, ranked 63rd by FIFA, is considered the group favorite, but 86th-ranked Curaçao will be aiming for an upset with its upgraded roster. 

Only the group winner will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. The runner-up will face another second-place team in a playoff for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs. 

A Historic Opportunity 

With host nations Mexico, Canada, and the United States already automatically qualified, the expanded 2026 World Cup presents more opportunities for smaller nations like Curaçao to make history. 

Curaçao has been pushing for its first-ever World Cup appearance for years. With the appointment of veteran coach Dick Advocaat and the arrival of experienced players from top European leagues, the team hopes to take the final step. 

After competing in the Gold Cup earlier this summer, the real challenge begins in September, when Curaçao’s qualification dreams go on the line.