Securing a spot in the prestigious FIFA World Cup is a monumental achievement for any nation’s football team, representing the pinnacle of years of dedication, strategic planning, and athletic prowess. For certain smaller countries, however, this accomplishment transcends typical sporting success, becoming an extraordinary moment of national pride, akin to a rare and almost miraculous feat in their history.
This year, the Caribbean island nation of Curaçao exemplifies this spirit. Their impressive qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 positions them to become the smallest country by population ever to participate in the tournament, marking an unprecedented milestone in international football.
Throughout the extensive history of the World Cup, numerous smaller nations with limited resources and fewer opportunities have relentlessly pursued their dream of reaching the sport’s greatest stage. These teams often employ every available method to compete, continuously strengthening their squads and refining their tactics to pave their way into the global spectacle. Once they reach the final stages, these underdog teams frequently find themselves pitted against footballing giants, world-class competitors with significantly larger fan bases and more extensive footballing infrastructures.
In these David vs. Goliath encounters, the sheer effort, unwavering passion, and profound love for football from these smaller nations shine brightly, inspiring audiences worldwide. This determination is evident regardless of their size or population. A memorable example is Iceland’s participation in the 2018 World Cup, where they emerged as the smallest country to ever compete at that time. With a population of just over 350,000 residents, Iceland showcased remarkable resilience and skill, successfully advancing to the group stage of the tournament.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, it will feature Curaçao as the smallest nation to ever take part, with matches hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19. Furthermore, Cape Verde is also poised to be one of the smallest nations participating in the 2026 tournament, underscoring a growing trend of smaller countries making their mark on the global stage.
Here is a list of the ten smallest countries by population to have participated in the FIFA World Cup:
1. **Curaçao:** Set to participate in the 2026 World Cup with a population of just over 156,000 residents.
2. **Iceland:** Participated in the 2018 World Cup with a population of just over 352,000 residents at the time.
3. **Cape Verde:** Set to participate in the 2026 World Cup with a population of just over 525,000 residents.
4. **Trinidad and Tobago:** Participated in the 2006 World Cup with a population of just over 1,300,000 residents.
5. **Northern Ireland:** Participated in the 1958 World Cup with a population of just over 1,400,000 residents at the time.
6. **Paraguay:** Participated in the 1950 World Cup with a population of just over 1,500,000 residents at the time.
7. **Kuwait:** Participated in the 1982 World Cup with a population of just over 1,700,000 residents at the time.
8. **United Arab Emirates:** Participated in the 1990 World Cup with a population of just over 1,900,000 residents at the time.
9. **Slovenia:** Participated in the 2002 World Cup with a population of just over 2,000,000 residents at the time.
10. **Uruguay:** Participated in the 1950 World Cup with a population of just over 2,200,000 residents at the time.
