Just one Curacao player lining out for the World Cup was born on the tiny island
Just one player lining out for Curacao in this evening’s World Cup fixture was born in the tiny island country.
The team are currently taking on Germany in their opening game in the FIFA World Cup, with Germany winning 3-1 at the time of writing.
It’s the country’s first time ever in the soccer tournament, and with a population of 160,000 they are also the smallest country to ever compete.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – JUNE 14: Livano Comenencia #8 of Curacao celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match between Germany and Curacao at Houston Stadium on June 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
The Caribbean island is part of the Kingdom of Netherlands, which has enabled a lot of coaches and players to switch allegiances through the years.
It dates back to former Netherlands striker Patrick Kluivert, who switched allegiances back in 2015 when he took on a manager position.
He returned in 2021 for a few months as caretaker/ interim manager.
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – JUNE 13: Tahith Chong #21 of Curaçao warms up during training of Curacao one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match against Germany at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on June 13, 2026 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Forward Tahith Chong is the only player lining out for Curacao born in the tiny island country.
The Sheffield United star began his international football career for the Netherlands at U15 level.
He played for the Netherlands up until under-21, and was calling in June 2021 for the Curacao national team, though he didn’t make the final squad.
BOCA RATON, FLORIDA – JUNE 13: Juninho Bacuna #7 and Leandro Bacuna #10 of Curaçao warm up during the training of Curacao one day ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match against Germany at Flagler Credit Union Stadium on June 13, 2026 in Boca Raton, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Just last year, in August 2025, Chong’s request to switch international allegiance to Curacao was approved by governing body FIFA.
Captain Leandro Bacuna has 72 caps for the national team.
The joint-top scorer for the nation received his first call-up for the team in March 2016.
The 34-year-old is joint-top scorer with Eloy Room, who has been playing for the senior team since 2015.
Both soccer stars played for the Netherlands at underage level.
