‘We’re not here on holiday’ - Curacao prepare for first ever WC game vs Germany

Curaçao continued their preparations for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday with a training session open to the public in south Florida , as fans gathered to watch the Caribbean nation ahead of its historic tournament debut. The team trained in Boca Raton, Florida, where supporters were given the opportunity to watch the session as anticipation builds ahead of the biggest match in the country’s football history. Dick Advocaat’s side will face four-time world champions Germany on Sunday in Houston in their Group E opener, marking the first appearance at a World Cup for the small Caribbean island with a population of just under 156,000. And former Manchester United player Tahith Chong warned Julian Nagelsmann’s team that “they will be ready” and they are not in the USA “on holiday." At 78, Advocaat is set to become the oldest coach to manage at the tournament. Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup, have been drawn in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.