The Caribbean island of Curaçao has made history as the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup. Curaçao secured the top spot in the group stage after drawing with Jamaica.
This nation has a population of only 180,000 and an area comparable to a part of Tashkent. Former head coach of the Russian national team, Dick Advocaat, leads Curaçao's football team.
The list of small nations qualifying for this year's World Cup does not end with Curaçao. Below is a list of the 10 smallest countries to qualify for the World Cup:
10.
Paraguay – 7 million inhabitants Paraguay is returning to the World Cup after a 16-year hiatus. This South American nation, which reached the quarterfinals in 2010, finished sixth in the qualification stage.
It is worth noting that Paraguay is also set to be one of the host nations for the 2030 World Cup. 9.
Norway – 5.6 million inhabitants Norway has qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Led by star player Erling Haaland, who scored 16 goals in 8 matches during the qualification stage, the team secured its place in the finals.
8. Scotland – 5.5 million inhabitants Scottish players defeated Denmark 4–2 in their final match in Naples, securing their spot in the World Cup for the first time since 1998.
However, Scotland is yet to advance beyond the group stage at any World Cup. 7.
New Zealand – 5.2 million inhabitants New Zealand will compete in the World Cup for the first time since 2010. During the qualification stage in Oceania, New Zealand defeated New Caledonia in the final match.
6. Panama – 4.5 million inhabitants Panama debuted in the World Cup in 2018.
This time, they secured the top spot in Group A of the CONCACAF qualifiers. 5.
Croatia – 3.8 million inhabitants Croatia's football team achieved third place in 2022 and second place in 2018. Led by Luka Modrić, the team showcased strong performances during the qualification stage and secured their spot in the finals.
4. Uruguay – 3.3 million inhabitants Uruguay is the smallest nation to have won the World Cup twice.
Although they reached the quarterfinals in 2010, the team's recent performances were not as notable. This time, they aim to improve their results.
3. Qatar – 3.1 million inhabitants Qatar, which participated as the host nation in 2022, has qualified for this World Cup through the qualification process for the first time.
2. Cape Verde – 528,000 inhabitants The African island nation of Cape Verde defeated Cameroon in the qualifiers to secure a place in the final stage of the World Cup, earning widespread recognition.
1. Curaçao – 185,000 inhabitants Curaçao is the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup.
Under the leadership of former Russian national team coach Dick Advocaat, they defeated Jamaica and will participate in the tournament for the first time in history.
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