Haiti, Panama and Curaçao seal historic World Cup spots
Haiti’s qualification marks one of the standout stories of the campaign, but it was only the beginning of a night filled with history across the Caribbean.
Haiti are heading back to the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 after topping Group C on a nerve-filled final day of the CONCACAF qualifiers.
A composed 2-0 victory over Nicaragua, combined with a stalemate between Honduras and Costa Rica, secured Haiti’s long-awaited return to the global stage 52 years after its debut appearance.
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For perspective, Haiti is led by Former Harambee Stars coach Sebastien Migne. The Frenchman had been the coach of the Harambee Stars since May 2018 and led the team to the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
Ironically, the decisive win came not in Port-au-Prince but on the island of Curaçao, where the team has been forced to stage all its home matches due to ongoing instability back home.
Haiti’s qualification marks one of the standout stories of the campaign, but it was only the beginning of a night filled with history across the Caribbean.
Panama joined Haiti in booking a direct ticket after powering to a 3-0 win over El Salvador. The result ensured they topped Group A and avoided last-minute complications, completing a confident and disciplined campaign.
Los Canaleros now head to their second World Cup, having previously appeared in 2018, and did so this time with far less drama than their fellow qualifiers.
However, the most extraordinary storyline belonged to Curaçao, which became the smallest nation by population and land size to ever qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
The island, home to just over 150,000 people, sealed their place after a tense 0-0 draw with Jamaica in Kingston.
Their qualification eclipses Iceland’s 2018 record and completes a remarkable rise for a nation that was ranked 150th in the world only a decade ago.
Speaking before the decisive match, midfielder Juninho Bacuna captured the magnitude of the moment for his tiny nation.
“It’s crazy and would be one of the biggest things that will happen to Curaçao. To be personally part of it and to make that dream come true would be incredible,” said Bacuna as quoted by the BBC.
The match itself delivered all the tension worthy of a World Cup decider.
Jamaica hit the woodwork three times and thought they had earned a lifeline in stoppage time when the referee pointed to the penalty spot. But VAR overturned the decision, sparking wild celebrations among Curaçao’s players and fans as their World Cup dream held firm.
Curaçao finished top of Group B, unbeaten with seven wins from ten matches, completing a Cinderella run that cements their place among next year’s debutants.
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