Curacao's national football team is gearing up for its debut appearance at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with head coach Dick Advocaat expressing confidence in the squad’s ability to compete effectively against more established teams. Speaking from the team’s training camp in Noordwijk, Netherlands, Advocaat emphasized the ambition to challenge their opponents and advance beyond the group stage.

Curacao, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, has secured its place in the tournament despite a population of just around 160,000, making it the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup. A significant number of the team’s players hail from the Netherlands, reflecting the close ties between the two territories.

“We want to make it as difficult as possible for everyone. We certainly have a chance,” Advocaat said, highlighting the team’s determination to not only participate but to progress further in the competition. He dismissed any notion of approaching the tournament with a casual mindset, stating, “You can’t go to a tournament with that mindset. We want to advance to the next round. That’s why we’re going.”

Curacao’s schedule includes two warm-up matches ahead of the tournament: facing Scotland on May 27 and Aruba on June 6. Their first World Cup match is set for June 14 against Germany. The team will also face Ecuador on June 20 and Ivory Coast on June 25 in Group E.

Advocaat acknowledged the challenges posed by their group opponents but remained optimistic about the potential for an upset. “A surprise is always possible. And one surprise can be enough to move on,” he said, underlining the team’s ambition despite their underdog status.

As the Caribbean nation prepares to take the global stage, the significance of their participation is clear. For Advocaat and the Curacao squad, the focus remains firmly on competing earnestly and making a mark in their maiden World Cup appearance.