Before the opening World Cup match on June 14, Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and the Curaçao delegation gathered at Hotel ZaZa Museum District to receive an official Guinness World Records certificate recognizing Curaçao as the smallest country by population ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
With a population of just 156,115, Curaçao surpassed the previous record held by Iceland, proving that big dreams can come from small islands.
The celebration also included a special proclamation from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, who received a Curaçao “Blue Wave” jersey during a ceremonial gift exchange before heading to the match.
Joining the occasion were Governor Mauritsz de Kort, President of Parliament Fergino Brownbill, members of the Curaçao Cabinet, Curaçao Football Federation President Gilbert Martina, Dutch Consul General Lisette den Breems, and representatives from Guinness World Records.
A proud day for Curaçao, its people, and football history. 🇨🇼⚽ #Curacao #FIFAWorldCup #GuinnessWorldRecords #BlueWave #Houston #FootballHistory #Keepcalmandstaycosmocool #DMCPROF #Dmcnetworkllc