Curaçao ready for historic Germany encounter
On Sunday (kick-off: 7.00pm CEST), Germany will kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Curaçao. On paper, Julian Nagelsmann's side are clear favourites for victory, but the Caribbean nation are not in North America to make up the numbers.
Qualifying for this World Cup is already the biggest achievement in Curaçao's footballing history, especially given the island is the smallest country to ever take part in the tournament. To reach the showpiece, they went unbeaten through all 10 of their games in CONCACAF qualifying.
The majority of their squad is made up of players born and raised in the Netherlands, but with familial heritage linking them to Curaçao. As such, they have a strong contingent of men plying their trade in European leagues, such as brothers Leandro and Juninho Bacuna as well as ex-Hoffenheim man Joshua Brenet.
Watch: Germany 'feeling good' ahead of Curaçao opener
On the touchline, they have a true coaching legend in the form of Dick Advocaat. The 78-year-old Dutchman is the oldest head coach in World Cup history, surpassing Otto Rehhagel, and will lead Curaçao at the tournament after stepping down following qualification before returning to his post.
In the build-up to his side's opening fixture against Germany, Advocaat complimented Nagelsmann and Co., naming the Nationalelf among the favourites for the title alongside Spain, France and his homeland. "Germany are obviously the big favourites in the group," said the man who coached Borussia Mönchengladbach during the 2004/05 season. "They are still a big footballing country."
Even so, Advocaat insists he is looking forward to the game, saying: "Starting off against Germany is fantastic. We will find out immediately where we stand."
Shortly before arriving in the USA, Curaçao boosted their morale with a 4-0 friendly victory over neighbours Aruba, although they struggled in the first half as the score remained goalless at the break.
After the restart, goals from Brenet, Jeremy Antonisse, Liviano Comenencia and Juninho Bacuna gave the scoreline a convincing look. Following the 4-1 defeat to Scotland in their previous friendly, Advocaat had initally rested some of his key players, but he needed them to avoid an upset against a nation ranked 190th in the FIFA World Rankings.
This weekend, Advocaat's charges will hope to spring a surprise of their own.
