UN 
Curaçao continues to surprise the football world not only for its sporting achievements, but also for its ability to transform football communication into a global media event.
The Caribbean island’s football federation chose an original way to present the list of players called up for the World Cup: a song created using the names of the selected players, inserted into verses and chorus in full Caribbean style.
The music video, published on the federation’s official channels, quickly conquered social media, fans and international media outlets, going viral within just a few hours. Engaging rhythms, a festive atmosphere and a strong national identity transformed a simple sporting announcement into a show capable of attracting attention far beyond the football world.
In a landscape often dominated by traditional and formal announcements, Curaçao chose a different path, focusing on creativity, music and national identity to strengthen the bond between the national team and its supporters. A choice that perfectly reflects the spirit of the island: young, dynamic and deeply connected to its musical culture.
The initiative comes at a historic moment for the small Caribbean nation. With around 150,000 inhabitants, Curaçao has become the smallest country ever to qualify for the final stage of a World Cup, writing an important page in international football history. An achievement that has sparked enormous enthusiasm across the island ahead of the tournament in North America.
The national team will make its debut against Germany, and Dick Advocaat will once again be on the bench. The experienced Dutch coach, who had announced his retirement at the beginning of 2026 for personal reasons, returned to lead the team after strong requests from part of the squad that achieved the historic qualification.
In recent years, Curaçao has invested heavily in football development, attracting players with experience in European leagues thanks also to the strong diaspora community in the Netherlands. The national team’s technical growth has been accompanied by a modern communication strategy aimed at younger generations increasingly active on digital platforms.
The decision to announce the squad with a song is not just a publicity stunt, but also a way to promote the island’s cultural identity and demonstrate how football can also be creativity, entertainment and innovation. Once again, Curaçao proves that even a small nation can become a protagonist on the global stage.
Submitted by Dündar Keşaplı
