WILLEMSTAD – Argentina won the Fundashon Bicentini Children’s World Cup 2026 on Sunday, becoming the first champion of the youth tournament after months of matches, activities and preparation across Curaçao.
The competition brought together dozens of schools, neighborhood teams and volunteers from across the island. A total of 48 teams participated, with each team representing a country that qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following a group stage in April and knockout rounds in May, the finals were played on Sunday. Argentina emerged as the overall champion after advancing through a field that included semifinalists Germany, Algeria and Morocco.
The championship trophy was presented by Prime Minister Gilmar ‘Pik’ Pisas. The event also featured a creative grandstand competition, with Governor Mauritsz de Kort selecting Brazil as the winner for the best-designed tribune.
According to organizer Remco Bicentini, the tournament grew into one of the largest youth football projects ever organized on the island. “With 48 teams and 104 matches, the Fundashon Bicentini Children’s World Cup became one of Curaçao’s biggest youth football initiatives.”
The tournament was designed not only as a sporting competition, but also as a community project aimed at encouraging youth participation, teamwork and island-wide engagement in football ahead of the 2026 World Cup.