Curaçao trains in Boca Raton as World Cup debut against Germany nears

First training session in the books

Curaçao held its first training session on US soil Tuesday in Boca Raton, Florida. The session came with a surprise visitor: former NFL star Chad Ochocinco showed up, calling the team "the smallest nation at the World Cup" (3). Music, dancing, and a relaxed atmosphere set the tone. The squad also has a public event scheduled for Thursday as the countdown to Sunday intensifies.

Germany's Völler: we can't wait

Germany sporting director Rudi Völler made no secret of his eagerness ahead of Sunday's opener in Houston. "We are burning to play the first game. We'd rather start right now," he said (5). Germany are treating your team seriously, and Völler stressed that a strong opening result is essential for momentum.

Three other debutants join the party

Curaçao isn't the only nation making its World Cup bow this summer. Three other countries will also debut at the expanded 48-team tournament (6). But none of them are carrying a population of roughly 155,000, the smallest ever to grace a men's World Cup (2). That distinction is yours alone.

Why Curaçao can play at a World Cup

For those wondering about the legal side: Curaçao, as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, operates its own FIFA-recognized football federation. It's a different case from Wales or Scotland, and full FIFA membership was granted in 2010 (4). That independence on the pitch is what made this historic run possible.

The countdown: Germany awaits Sunday

Sunday 14 June. Houston. Manuel Neuer, Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz – Nagelsmann is expected to send out a full-strength side (1). This is the biggest match in Curaçao's history, and Advocaat's group enters it riding a 4–0 send-off win and a wave of belief.