Curaçao, recognised as the least populous nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, has announced its final 26-man squad ahead of the tournament scheduled to begin next month. The squad was confirmed on Tuesday (19 May), with two brothers—Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna—selected among the midfield options.
With a population of fewer than 200,000, Curaçao is making its first appearance at a World Cup finals, marking a significant milestone in the country’s football history. The squad is captained by Leandro Bacuna, a former Aston Villa midfielder who currently plays for Turkish second-tier side Igdir FK. His younger brother, Juninho Bacuna, aged 28, is also included in the squad and plays club football for Dutch side Volendam.
The selection also features Tahith Chong, a former Manchester United academy player who represented the Netherlands at youth level. Chong, aged 26, switched international allegiance after obtaining Curaçaoan citizenship in August. He is currently contracted to Sheffield United in English football.
Curaçao have been drawn in Group E, where they will face Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast. Their opening fixture is scheduled for 14 June against Germany.
Curaçao World Cup Squad (26 Players)
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Goalkeepers | Tyrique Bodak, Trevor Doornbusch, Eloy Room |
| Defenders | Riechedly Bazoer, Joshua Brenet, Roshon van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Deveron Fonville, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo, Shurandy Sambo |
| Midfielders | Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Kevin Felida, Ar’Jany Martha, Tyrese Noslin, Godfried Roemeratoe |
| Forwards | Jeremy Antonisse, Tahith Chong, Kenji Gorré, Sontje Hansen, Jürgen Locadia, Brandley Kuwas, Jearl Margaritha |
The squad composition reflects a strong presence of players developed within Dutch football systems, alongside professionals active across various European leagues. Several members have previously represented the Netherlands at youth international level before committing their senior international careers to Curaçao.
Leandro Bacuna brings extensive experience at club and international level, having played in the English Premier League with Aston Villa. His leadership role within the squad is complemented by his brother Juninho Bacuna, who has also built his career across European competitions.
The inclusion of players such as Tahith Chong further highlights the squad’s international background, with multiple members having progressed through elite European academy systems before joining Curaçao’s senior national setup.
Curaçao’s Group E fixtures present a challenging pathway in their first World Cup appearance. Alongside Germany, they will also compete against Ecuador and Ivory Coast in the group stage, beginning with their match against Germany on 14 June.
The announcement of the final 26-man squad completes Curaçao’s preparations for their debut World Cup campaign, representing a notable moment in the nation’s football development.