Can Curaçao's national team surprise at the 2026 World Cup?

The Curaçao national team truly created the biggest sensation of the qualifiers, becoming, according to FIFA's official website, the least populous country in history to qualify for the World Cup.
Despite the fantastic spirit of this team under the leadership of experienced Dick Advocaat, it will be extremely difficult for them to surpass Ecuador or Ivory Coast for several reasons.
Why is Curaçao in 2nd place almost a miracle?
A huge gap in the rankings: Curaçao is only 82nd in the FIFA rankings, while Ecuador is 23rd, and Ivory Coast is 33rd.
Player potential: Ecuador has a rock-solid defense that, in fierce South American qualifiers, has conceded only two goals in the last 12 matches, and leaders like Moisés Caicedo play at the top level in Europe.
Lack of experience: For the "Blue Wave" (the nickname of the Curaçao team), this is their absolute debut at the World Cup, while their opponents have extensive experience playing at this level.
How can Curaçao still advance from the group?
The only real chance — to see Curaçao in the knockout stage — is to finish 3rd.
Thanks to the new format with 48 teams, the top 8 third-place teams in their groups will advance to the Round of 16.
If Curaçao can manage a draw against Ivory Coast or Ecuador and secure at least a minimal victory somewhere, 4 points will be enough for them to make history by reaching the next round.
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