{"id":13593,"date":"2026-06-08T10:41:39","date_gmt":"2026-06-08T03:41:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/?p=13593"},"modified":"2026-06-08T10:41:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T03:41:42","slug":"curacao-and-cabo-verde-are-into-the-world-cup-what-impact-can-these-minnow-nations-make","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.infinitysport.asia\/news\/curacao-and-cabo-verde-are-into-the-world-cup-what-impact-can-these-minnow-nations-make\/","title":{"rendered":"Cura\u00e7ao and Cabo Verde are into the World Cup. What impact can these \u2018minnow nations\u2019\u00a0make?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For the first time in history, soccer\u2019s World Cup will expand to 48 teams in 2026, marking one of the most radical changes ever made to the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting on June 11 in Mexico City, the tournament will be the longest and largest ever. Across 39 days, there will be 104 matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new format has allowed several so-called \u201cminnow nations\u201d to qualify for the first time. They include Uzbekistan and Jordan, while Haiti has returned after last appearing in 1974.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But it is two small island nations that have rightly grabbed the most international attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cura\u00e7ao makes history<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cura\u00e7ao will appear at the World Cup for the first time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a population of around 156,000, Cura\u00e7ao is the smallest nation ever to participate in the tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Their place was confirmed after a draw against Jamaica in November 2025 and there were, as expected, huge scenes of celebration across the Caribbean island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Know Your Caribbean (@knowyourcaribbean)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n