Curaçao dance through Houston training as Locadia waits on FIFA

Dancing in Houston – your team is loving this

Curaçao trained in Houston this week ahead of Sunday's World Cup opener against Germany and the mood was pure joy. Players including Joshua Brenet, Jeremy Antonisse, Livano Comenencia, and Juninho were filmed dancing on the pitch before the session got serious (1). This is a squad that knows it has already made history – the smallest nation ever to qualify for a men's World Cup – and they are carrying that freedom with them.

Locadia suspension cloud hangs over Germany match

Jurgen Locadia's availability for Sunday is still uncertain. The striker was sent off in a friendly against Scotland and Curaçao is waiting on FIFA's ruling before knowing if he can face Germany (1). Dick Advocaat will want every weapon available for the historic opener.

Aruba swept aside 4–0 in final send-off

Curaçao dismantled Aruba 4–0 in a friendly on Saturday, June 6, the team's last match before traveling to the United States (1). It was a statement performance, with the squad heading into the tournament on a wave of confidence.

Your World Cup group at a glance

The opener is Sunday, June 14 against Germany in Houston (1). Then it is Ecuador on June 20 in Kansas City, followed by Ivory Coast on June 25 in Philadelphia (1). Three matches, three chances to shock the world.

Advocaat's 27 – the squad is set

The final squad list is out. Advocaat has named 27 players including Bodak, Doornbusch, and Room as goalkeeping options; Bazoer, Brenet, Van Eijma, Floranus, Fonville, Gaari, Obispo, and Sambo in the defensive group; and attacking threats like Locadia, Chong, Gorré, Margaritha, and Antonisse ready to cause problems (2). The group has been called "Advocaat and his nephews" in local press – a tight, family-like unit with nothing to lose.