The latest round of FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers delivered one of the most remarkable nights in recent football history, as tiny island nation Curacao produced a fairytale of their own while Haiti, Scotland, Spain and Switzerland secured their places on the sport’s grandest stage.
Curacao became the smallest nation ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, writing an extraordinary new chapter in global football. With a population of just around 156,000, the Caribbean island surpassed Iceland’s previous record to become the least populated country to ever book a World Cup berth. The qualification was sealed after a dramatic 0-0 draw against Jamaica, where late tension peaked as an injury-time Jamaican penalty was overturned by VAR. The tiny island held firm, sparking celebrations across Willemstad and beyond. For a nation making its debut on the world stage, this is a landmark that will redefine its footballing identity forever.
Elsewhere in the Caribbean, Haiti completed one of the most extraordinary qualification journeys in modern football, booking their first World Cup berth since 1974 and doing so without playing a single home match. The Caribbean nation, engulfed in gang violence since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moise, has been forced to play every game away from home. With 85% of the capital Port-au-Prince under gang control and the national stadium overtaken by armed groups in March 2024, Haiti have not hosted a fixture since July 2021.
Yet, against all odds, they delivered. A decisive 2-0 win over Nicaragua allowed Haiti to leapfrog both Honduras and Costa Rica. The squad then gathered around a mobile phone to watch the closing moments of Costa Rica vs Honduras, waiting anxiously for the final whistle that confirmed their ticket to North America. It is only their second World Cup appearance in history, a landmark moment for a nation that has been fighting far more than just footballing battles.
In Europe, Scotland sealed their first World Cup appearance since 1998 in a pulsating 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park. The drama unfolded after Patrick Dorgu twice pulled Denmark level, leaving the visitors on course to top Group C and send Scotland into the play-offs. But the Scots, who played through a rollercoaster campaign including a costly defeat in Greece last weekend, produced a sensational stoppage-time surge.
Substitute Kieran Tierney curled home a stunning left-footed effort in the 93rd minute, sparking wild celebrations. Moments later, with Danish goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel stranded upfield, Kenny McLean launched a long-range strike into an empty net, sealing the result and triggering one of Glasgow’s loudest celebrations in years. “Never say die, we just keep going to the end,” captain Andy Robertson said. “We’re going to the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Spain confirmed their spot at the 2026 finals after a tense 2-2 draw against Turkey in Seville. Dani Olmo gave the hosts an early lead, but Turkey responded strongly through Deniz Gul and later took a shock lead when Salih Ozcan struck from distance. Spain avoided a rare setback when Mikel Oyarzabal equalised in the 62nd minute, securing the point they needed to finish unbeaten at the top of Group E. Turkey, despite their spirited display, now head into the play-offs.
In Group B, Switzerland clinched qualification after a 1-1 draw away to Kosovo. Ruben Vargas struck early in the second half, but Florent Muslija’s superb long-range effort ensured a share of the spoils. Switzerland topped the group with an unbeaten run, while Kosovo secured second place and a play-off berth as they continue their pursuit of a maiden World Cup appearance.
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