Smallest country (by population) to qualify for the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup

Smallest country (by population) to qualify for the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup
Who
Curaçao
What
156,115 people
Where
Jamaica (Kingston)
When
19 November 2025

The smallest country (by population) to qualify for the football (soccer) FIFA World Cup is Curaçao, who had a population of 156,115 people when they qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kingston, Jamaica, on 19 November 2025.

The small Caribbean island of Curaçao, managed by Dutchman Dick Advocaat, finished top of their CONCACAF third-round qualifying group with three wins and three draws from their six games. The “Blue Wave” completed their football fairytale with a 0–0 draw against Jamaica on 19 November 2025, ensuring their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.