At 1:00 a.m. Beijing time on June 15, Curaçao will face Germany in the group stage of the World Cup. Before the match, we interviewed fans of World Cup newcomers Curaçao. Many expressed their genuine emotions and hopes for the tournament.

For Curaçao, making their World Cup debut, a phrase that captures their spirit is: "Nos ta e Ola Blou"—"We are the Blue Wave."

"In Curaçao, whenever we go to the stadium to watch a match, it's a huge celebration. We sing, play instruments, and everyone wears blue. We'll bring that same atmosphere to the World Cup in America."

Curaçao fan Roald Valentijn described their fan culture to The Athletic.

Curaçao, located in the Caribbean Sea, is an island nation (constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands) with a population of only about 155,000. In November 2025, they made history by qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. In the final qualifying round, Curaçao drew 0-0 against Jamaica away from home, securing their berth with that crucial draw. When the news reached home, the entire island erupted in celebration.

With their World Cup qualification, Curaçao also became the smallest territory by population ever to participate in the World Cup.

Local fans estimate that 3,000 to 5,000 Curaçao citizens will travel to the United States this summer to support their team. For an island with a total population of only around 150,000, that's a remarkable number.

However, their World Cup journey won't be easy. In their opening group match, they'll face traditional powerhouse Germany in Houston.

For fans unable to attend in person, watch parties will be held across the island to see their national team make history.

"When the match starts, the entire island will shut down," said another fan, Brenton Balentien.

Whether in the United States or at home, Curaçao fans certainly won't lack enthusiasm.

Fan Ryan Angel said: "We are people who love to gather and celebrate. We love music, joy, and passion. We love good food, good drinks, and the feeling of togetherness. That's what makes our support unique."

"This World Cup journey has united our entire nation. Everyone is working toward the same goal, and that creates a powerful sense of belonging and unity."

Brenton earned the nickname "Captain Blue Face" because he paints his face blue, like the Curaçao flag, for every match.

According to him, there's something else that makes supporting Curaçao special.

"In big football countries, you might be very enthusiastic, but you don't necessarily know other fans."

"Here, almost everyone can find a connection with each other. You know me, I know him, everyone is connected. That's what makes us special."

What does World Cup qualification mean for Curaçao?

Brenton's answer was straightforward: "It means everything. For us, this is life. We're just a small island, and everyone is like family. Reaching something as big as qualifying for the World Cup is truly significant."

"Besides watching my children being born, this is the happiest moment of my life."

Fan Stephanie Seinpaal shared the same sentiment: "It means everything to the entire nation."

"Curaçao fans are special because we take great pride in our small island. We're passionate, loyal, and always bring vibrant energy to the stadium. Together, we create an atmosphere that's loud, joyful, and festive."

Curaçao even has a song dedicated to their national team—"The Blue Wave."

The song was written by local artist Jeon in Papiamento, and the national team players play it in the locker room before and after matches.

Angel said: "During World Cup qualifying, this song united everyone."

Curaçao is now an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. After the dissolution of the Dutch Antilles in 2010, Curaçao officially became autonomous.

Most residents speak Dutch, Papiamento, English, and Spanish.

Curaçao's national team history is relatively short. In August 2011, they played their first official international match, losing 0-1 to the Dominican Republic.

The team's first major breakthrough came in 2017 when they qualified for the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time.

Two years later, at the 2019 Gold Cup, Curaçao reached the knockout stage, losing narrowly 0-1 to the United States in the quarterfinals.

However, compared to these achievements, qualifying for the 2026 World Cup is undoubtedly the greatest moment in Curaçao's football history.

In the third qualifying phase, Curaçao topped their group ahead of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bermuda, securing their World Cup berth.

Roald recalled: "During the final qualifying matches, the entire nation came together like never before; everyone cheered for the team."

Brenton described the experience as a roller coaster: "It was an emotional ride, but the passion and determination shown by people on the island kept motivating the players."

Most players on Curaçao's national team were actually born in the Netherlands but have Curaçao heritage.

Many have represented the Dutch youth teams, such as Livano Comenencia and Sontje Hansen.

Joshua Brenet even made two appearances for the Dutch national team before switching to Curaçao.

Currently, most national team players compete in the Dutch league, while Leandro Bacuna and Sontje Hansen play for English second-tier clubs Sheffield United and Middlesbrough, respectively.

Curaçao's most famous stars are siblings Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna. Both played in England for many years and currently play in the Turkish league.

During the World Cup, Curaçao was initially set to be managed by 78-year-old Dutch coaching legend Dick Advocaat, who would have been the oldest head coach in World Cup history.

However, in February this year, Advocaat announced his resignation to care for his ill daughter, and Fred Rutten took over.

But with his daughter's health improving, Advocaat returned to his position in May.

It's worth noting that during Rutten's tenure, Curaçao lost 0-2 to China and suffered a heavy 1-5 defeat to Australia, which accelerated Advocaat's return.

Football has a strong presence in Curaçao. The island has its own professional league with established clubs like Jong Holland.

At the same time, residents are also interested in European football, particularly the Eredivisie and La Liga.

Brenton noted that the two most popular clubs on the island are Barcelona and Real Madrid.

However, their popularity cannot compare to the current popularity of the national team.

In the past, when Curaçao hadn't qualified for the World Cup, most locals supported either the Dutch or Brazilian team. Due to the significant Portuguese diaspora on the island, the Portuguese team also had many supporters.

Brenton explained: "Brazil dominated world football in earlier years, so many people became Brazil fans, and that tradition continues today."

"If we could play Brazil at the World Cup in the future, that would be a dream come true."

Angel said: "This is Curaçao's first time participating in the World Cup, so it's very special."

"Even when our team didn't play in the past, the World Cup was always highly anticipated here. Many supported Brazil, many supported the Netherlands. During every World Cup, large viewing parties were held on beaches, in bars, and in town squares."

Now, the World Cup is finally truly theirs.

Curaçao residents are full of anticipation for their upcoming World Cup journey and harbor ambitious goals.

Angel said: "Our goal should be to advance to the next round."

"As underdogs, you have to show your strength to the world. No one comes to the World Cup to be embarrassed. You have to fight with all your might in every match and try to earn points. If you do that, maybe you really can advance."

"We will fight with blood, sweat, and tears."

Roald is equally confident: "I've watched this team for years, and this is the strongest national team in Curaçao's history. If we can play our possession-based football, I think we have a chance to get out of the group."

Brenton concluded: "The most important thing is that we're here, part of the World Cup. Who knows? Maybe we'll be the dark horse that surprises the world."

"This is our first World Cup, and we may not have world-class superstars, but we have a team full of fighting spirit, passion, and energy."

"Whatever the result, we'll celebrate it proudly, my brother."

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