The Curaçao of Dick Advocaat is going to the final phase of the World Cup qualification in North and Central America as group winner. The country convincingly won against Haiti: 1-5.
After fifteen minutes Curaçao was already leading 0-2 through goals from Gervane Kastaneer and Kenji Gorré. Haiti managed to connect after halftime, but then Advocaat’s team scored three more times. Jearl Margaritha, Kevin Felida and Jeremy Antonisse were accurate.
Due to the victory, Curaçao has had a perfect series in the second part of the World Cup qualification. The islanders won their four matches, scored fifteen times and conceded only two goals. Haiti, Saint Lucia, Barbados and Aruba were the opponents.
For Curaçao and Advocaat, the crucial phase in the battle for a World Cup ticket is now beginning. The twelve remaining countries compete in three pools of four for three World Cup tickets. The two best numbers two get a second chance via the intercontinental play-offs. Curaçao has never qualified for the World Cup.
Curaçao will be placed in pot 2 at the draw on Thursday based on the FIFA ranking. As a result, Advocaat can meet the higher-rated Costa Rica, Jamaica or Panama, among others. Advocaat has been the national coach of Curaçao since January 2024. Since then, the country has won eight of the ten competitive international matches.
Curaçao may face Suriname, which has also qualified for the final part of the World Cup qualification. The team of national coach Aron Winter was already assured of group victory and drew 1-1 against El Salvador.
Pot Allocation for World Cup Qualification Draw
Pot 1: Panama, Costa Rica and Jamaica
Pot 2: Honduras, El Salvador and Curaçao
Pot 3: Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala
Pot 4: Nicaragua, Suriname and Bermuda