Curacao, Panama, Haiti Qualify for 2026 World Cup

Curacao, a Caribbean island nation with a population of just over 156,000, secured its first-ever berth at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday by holding Jamaica to a 0-0 draw in Kingston, becoming the smallest country by population to qualify for the men's tournament. The result capped an undefeated campaign for the autonomous Dutch territory, which topped Group B in CONCACAF qualifying with 12 points from six matches.

The match unfolded with high drama at National Stadium, where Jamaica pressed relentlessly for a victory that would have sent them to the 2026 tournament instead. The home side struck the woodwork three times in the second half, including a header from substitute Bailey-Tye Cadamarteri that crashed off the post in the 87th minute. Tension peaked in stoppage time when referee Ivan Barton awarded Jamaica a penalty after Curacao defender Jeremy Antonisse fouled Dujuan Richards in the box. However, a video review overturned the decision, preserving the draw and Curacao's lead in the group, one point ahead of Jamaica.

Curacao achieved the feat without veteran coach Dick Advocaat, the 78-year-old former Netherlands, South Korea and PSV Eindhoven manager, who returned home...