WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially begin at the end of this month with friendly matches against Scotland and Aruba, according to the Federashon di Futbòl Kòrsou (FFK).
The announcement was made during the presentation of Curaçao’s final 26-man World Cup squad.
Curaçao will first travel to face Scotland national football team on May 30 in Glasgow.
That match will be followed by a home game against Aruba national football team on June 6 at the Ergilio Hato Stadium.
The football federation described the Aruba match as an official farewell game for fans on Curaçao before the national team departs for the World Cup in the United States.
National team coach Dick Advocaat simultaneously announced the final squad for the upcoming internationals and the World Cup tournament.
Most of the team consists of players who helped Curaçao secure its historic qualification for the tournament last year.
Among the selected players are Tahith Chong, Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Riechedly Bazoer, and Jürgen Locadia.
The squad features many players active in the Dutch football league, alongside internationals playing professionally in England, Turkey, Belgium, Greece, Israel, Switzerland, and the United States.
For Curaçao, the tournament will mark the country’s first-ever participation in a FIFA World Cup.
During the group stage, Curaçao will face Germany national football team, Ecuador national football team, and Ivory Coast national football team.