WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao will host the start of the Fundashon Bicentini WK 2026 for children this weekend, with an opening ceremony on Saturday at Brionplein followed by the first matches on Sunday.
The youth tournament brings together 48 teams representing countries participating in the official 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event will run for more than six weeks and conclude with the final on June 7.
The competition is inspired by the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and is designed to unite primary school students and neighborhood teams in a structured tournament setting. More than 100 matches will be played across various locations on the island.
The official kickoff of the matches will take place at the Antoine Maduro Stadium (SUBT) in Saliña, where the group stage will be held throughout April. This will be followed by knockout rounds in May and early June, leading up to the final matches.
Organizers say the initiative goes beyond football, aiming to promote youth development, social cohesion, and opportunities for children across Curaçao. The project also emphasizes inclusion, bringing together participants from different neighborhoods and backgrounds.
The launch of the tournament marks the culmination of months of preparation and training, with organizers highlighting the event as a platform for young people to develop skills, build confidence, and strengthen community ties.