WILLEMSTAD - Following Curaçao’s dramatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Minister of VVRP and Finance Charles Cooper has announced that all civil servants will receive a half day off today to join the national celebrations.

Cooper also issued an appeal to the private sector, urging employers to give workers the opportunity to participate in what he described as “a moment of immense national pride.”

Government offices and schools closing early

Under the special arrangement:

Government offices close at 11:00 a.m. 

Schools will close at 12:00 noon

The government says the decision reflects the unprecedented significance of Curaçao’s achievement and the desire to allow the entire community to take part in the festivities.

Arrival of the national team

The Curaçao national team—Selekshon—is scheduled to:

Arrive at Hato Airport at 1:00 p.m. 

Depart at 3:00 p.m. for a celebratory island-wide motorcade

Thousands of fans are expected to line the route as the team makes its way through Willemstad. The parade is set to conclude at Waaigat, where the official tribute ceremony will take place.

Huldiging at Waaigat

The team is expected to arrive at 5:00 p.m., where a full celebration program—including speeches, performances, and the official honoring of the squad—will unfold.

Today marks one of the most historic days in Curaçao’s sporting history, and the government says it wants to ensure that the entire island can celebrate together.