WILLEMSTAD - Thousands of people lined the streets of Willemstad on Wednesday to cheer on the Curaçao national football team as the players returned home from Jamaica, where they secured World Cup qualification for the first time in the island’s history.
The team landed at 3:30 p.m. at Curaçao International Airport and then travelled through the capital in an open-top bus, greeted by roaring crowds along the route. The parade ended at an official stage where supporters continued the jubilant celebrations.
Curaçao’s qualification is historic: it is the smallest country ever to reach the FIFA World Cup. The achievement sparked immense pride and emotion across the island. The celebrations began immediately after the final whistle in Kingston, where Curaçao earned the crucial point in a 0-0 draw against Jamaica late Tuesday night. Players, staff and travelling fans erupted in joy, and the same scenes unfolded back home as residents poured into the streets to celebrate.
Videos quickly circulated on social media showing Curaçao’s players dancing in the locker room, at the hotel, on the team bus and even aboard the flight home. The party continued long after their arrival in Willemstad.
During the official ceremony, speeches were delivered by Father Duarte, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Sithree van Heydoorn. The players eventually joined the stage, albeit much later than planned due to the overwhelming crowds. As the evening progressed, the festivities showed no signs of slowing down, and by around 10:00 p.m. fireworks lit up the sky over the city.
One prominent absence, however, was head coach Dick Advocaat. The 78-year-old coach had returned to the Netherlands several days earlier due to private circumstances and did not attend the match in Jamaica. Despite his absence, he was not forgotten. “We know you’re watching, Dick!” someone shouted from the stage, prompting loud applause from the crowd.
Advocaat spoke to Dutch newspaper AD on Tuesday evening, reflecting on the achievement. “My greatest accomplishment ever? Well, certainly the craziest thing I’ve ever achieved as a coach. This is so beautiful for the island and for the players who have come from far.”
The magnitude of Curaçao’s qualification was evident from the international media coverage. Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport headlined, “Curaçao is in too! The dream has come true.” France’s L’Équipe described it as “the miracle of Curaçao, a tiny Caribbean island.” Spain’s Marca also hailed “a miracle” in Kingston.
As the celebrations gradually settle, Curaçao can begin preparing for the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on 11 June in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The next major moment for the team comes soon: the World Cup draw on 5 December.
