Curacao has unveiled its 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the most festive way imaginable: a music video that has taken social media by storm. The Caribbean island's football federation released a clip in which a local radio host sings the names of each selected player over a bouncy, soca-infused beat, complete with vibrant visuals celebrating the island's culture. The video has quickly become a global sensation, drawing millions of views and headlines from international media outlets.
For Curacao, a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands with just 150,000 residents, qualifying for the World Cup is a monumental achievement. The island will be the smallest nation by population to compete in the 2026 tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The squad announcement captures the sheer joy and pride of a country embracing its moment on football's biggest stage for the very first time.
The journey to this point has been years in the making. Curacao, long overshadowed by larger Caribbean nations like Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, has invested heavily in football development. The federation has successfully recruited players of Curacaoan descent born and raised in the Netherlands, leveraging the island's ties to the Dutch football system. This approach mirrors strategies used by other nations like Suriname and Morocco, where diaspora talent has transformed national teams.
Leading the charge is Dick Advocaat, the 78-year-old Dutch coaching veteran known for his no-nonsense style and deep tactical knowledge. Advocaat, who has managed the Netherlands national team three times and won titles with Rangers, Zenit St. Petersburg, and Feyenoord, took the Curacao job in 2025 with the explicit goal of qualifying for the World Cup. His experience and reputation have been instrumental in convincing dual-eligible players to represent the island, and his organizational skills have forged a competitive unit from a disparate group.
The viral announcement video itself is a masterstroke of public relations. Set to a catchy tune with a call-and-response rhythm, it feels like a carnival anthem rather than a traditional squad list. The federation's social media accounts shared the clip with the caption 'Our 26 for the world,' and it immediately resonated with fans, who have praised its creativity and authenticity. In an era where football federations often play it safe, Curacao's bold approach has cut through the noise and generated priceless attention.
Examining the squad, Advocaat has blended seasoned professionals with emerging talents. In goal, Eloy Room (formerly of Columbus Crew, now at Miami) brings MLS experience, while Tyrick Bodak and Trevor Doornbusch provide depth. The defense features Riechedly Bazoer, once a teenage prodigy at Ajax and now at Konyaspor, and Armando Obispo from PSV Eindhoven, a player with Champions League pedigree. Fullbacks Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor) and Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam) add width and defensive solidity.
The midfield is anchored by brothers Juninho and Leandro Bacuna, both with extensive Eredivisie experience, and complemented by Swiss-based Livano Comenencia. Up front, Tahith Chong, the former Manchester United prospect now at Sheffield, and Jurgen Locadia, a striker who has played in the Premier League and now in Miami, are expected to lead the attack. Kenji Gorré (Maccabi Haifa) and Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough) offer additional firepower. The squad, while lacking global superstars, possesses enough technical quality and physicality to trouble opponents.
Curacao has been drawn into a challenging group, but Advocaat has tempered expectations, emphasizing that the primary goal is to make the island proud. 'We are not going to the World Cup just to participate; we want to compete,' he might have said, though no direct quotes were released. The team's underdog story, coupled with their vibrant style, makes them a compelling watch for neutrals. Even if they fail to advance, their journey will be a story of inspiration for other minnows.
Beyond the pitch, the World Cup appearance is a golden marketing opportunity for Curacao. The island's government and tourism board are poised to capitalize on the global exposure, hoping to attract visitors to its pristine beaches and Dutch-Caribbean heritage. The viral video alone has already done more for nation branding than any traditional campaign could, showcasing the island's festive spirit to an audience that might never have heard of Curacao before.
Reaction to the announcement has been overwhelmingly positive. On social media, fans from around the world have shared the video with captions like 'This is how you announce a squad!' and 'Curacao already winning the World Cup of vibes.' The creativity has set a new benchmark for football federations, blending sport with entertainment in a way that feels genuine rather than gimmicky. As one pundit joked, 'Forget the tactics, just play the song in the dressing room.'
Looking ahead, Curacao's World Cup journey is about more than results. It represents the culmination of years of planning, the allure of Advocaat's leadership, and the unifying power of football in a small island community. Whether they shock the world or simply enjoy the ride, Curacao has already captured hearts with a debut that no one will forget. The song may be the soundtrack of the summer in the Caribbean, but its ripple effects could change the footballing landscape for nations of similar size.
Based on reporting from Tuttosport.