Minnow nations and long-awaited hopefuls celebrated across the globe on Tuesday as Curaçao, Haiti, Panama and Scotland all secured spots at next year’s expanded 48-team men’s FIFA World Cup in North America. Meanwhile, the United States boosted its momentum with a dominant 5–1 win over Uruguay.
The qualification results sparked scenes of jubilation from the Caribbean to Europe as several teams broke decades-long droughts — and, in Curaçao’s case, made history.
Curaçao
The tiny Caribbean nation became the smallest country by population ever to qualify for a men’s World Cup, surpassing Iceland’s 2018 record.
With just over 155,000 people, Curaçao clinched the top spot in its group after a gritty 0–0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston. Fans erupted in celebration, waving blue and yellow flags and chanting late into the night.
“We deserve this,” one supporter told Reuters. “It is time for us to celebrate right now.”
Haiti
For the first time since 1974, Haiti is heading to the World Cup — a monumental achievement for a nation grappling with political turmoil and gang violence.
Despite the unrest, fans celebrated across Port-au-Prince after Haiti’s 2–0 victory over Nicaragua sealed qualification. Their 52-year-old coach, appointed 18 months ago, has not stepped foot in the country due to security concerns, underscoring the team’s extraordinary journey.
Scotland
A nation known for decades of heartbreak on the global stage finally has reason to cheer. Scotland defeated Denmark 4–2 at Hampden Park, scoring two dramatic stoppage-time goals to avoid European playoffs and secure its first World Cup trip in 28 years.
“Never in doubt Scotland,” tennis star Andy Murray wrote on X. “North America, here we come.”
Scott McTominay opened the scoring with a stunning overhead kick, sending fans in Edinburgh into euphoric celebrations.
Panama
Panama booked its second-ever World Cup appearance after a decisive 3–0 win over El Salvador.
Following a challenging qualifying campaign, the team found form when it mattered most, earning its ticket on the final matchday.
Cape Verde
Cape Verde, ranked 71st in the world and home to fewer than 500,000 people, secured its first ever World Cup qualification last month. The Blue Sharks, who topped their group, will become the third-smallest nation to appear at the tournament.
Notable Absences
Despite the expanded 48-team format, several major nations will be missing.
India and China both failed to qualify, extending their long-standing absence. Traditional African powerhouses Nigeria and Cameroon also fell short, as did Serbia.
A final playoff tournament in Mexico next year will decide the last two spots. Teams still in contention include Iraq, Congo, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia and New Caledonia. Iraq reached the playoff after scoring a dramatic 107th-minute penalty.
