WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao's World Cup preparations have been dealt a potential setback after striker Jürgen Locadia was sent off during Saturday's friendly against Scotland, raising concerns that he could miss the opening matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The incident occurred during Curaçao's 4-1 defeat to Scotland at Hampden Park in Glasgow. The Blue Wave had taken an early lead through Tahith Chong and appeared on course for a competitive performance before the match changed dramatically following Locadia's dismissal.
Initially, the former Premier League forward received a yellow card after a challenge involving Scottish defender Aaron Hickey. However, after a VAR review, the referee upgraded the punishment to a red card for violent conduct, ruling that Locadia had used his elbow during the incident.
Playing with ten men, Curaçao struggled to contain the Scottish attack. Goals from Ryan Christie, Lawrence Shankland, who scored twice, and Findlay Curtis completed a 4-1 comeback victory for the home side.
The red card could have significant consequences beyond the friendly itself. Reports indicate that the offense may carry a three-match suspension, which would sideline Locadia for Curaçao's farewell match against Aruba as well as the national team's first two World Cup group-stage matches.
If the suspension is upheld, Locadia would miss the highly anticipated World Cup encounters against Germany and Ecuador. He would only become available again for Curaçao's final group-stage match against Ivory Coast.
Speaking after the match, head coach Dick Advocaat acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation.
“Now we have to wait for what will happen for the World Cup,” Advocaat said when discussing the potential disciplinary consequences.
Curaçao may seek to appeal the decision in hopes of reducing the suspension. Should an appeal be successful, the ban could potentially be shortened to one or two matches.
The timing is particularly difficult for the Blue Wave, as Locadia is one of the team's most experienced attacking players and was expected to play a key role in Curaçao's historic first appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
The national team will return to Curaçao this week before hosting Aruba in a farewell friendly at Ergilio Hato Stadium. Shortly afterward, the squad will travel to Florida to complete preparations for the tournament.
With the World Cup just weeks away, Curaçao now awaits a final ruling that could determine whether one of its most important forwards will be available when the island makes its long-awaited debut on football's biggest stage.