The squad announcement also signals the return of Dick Advocaat, the veteran coach who guided Curacao to qualification before briefly stepping away earlier this year. At 78, the Dutchman is now set to become the oldest manager in World Cup history.

Advocaat has leaned heavily on the Dutch football pyramid, selecting 12 players currently competing in the Netherlands across the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie. The strong Dutch influence reflects Curacao's close footballing ties with the Netherlands and gives the squad a blend of European experience and Caribbean identity.

Among the Eredivisie-based names are Armando Obispo, Sherel Floranus, Shurandy Sambo and Juninho Bacuna, while the squad also includes several players from the Dutch second tier.

One of the key attacking figures will be Gervane Kastaneer, who played a decisive role during qualification by scoring five goals. Alongside him, Kenji Gorre arrives as another major attacking threat after contributing three goals in the qualifying campaign.

There is, however, one notable omission. Veteran striker Rangelo Janga, Curacao's all-time leading scorer, has been left out of the final squad.

Advocaat's return to the bench adds another emotional layer to the story. The former Netherlands manager had initially stepped aside in February due to family health concerns, but eventually resumed his role following improvements in his daughter's condition and growing instability within the squad under interim coach Fred Rutten.

Now, Curacao head to the World Cup determined to make history and prove they belong on the global stage.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Tyrick Bodak, Trevor Doornbusch and Eloy Room

Defenders: Riechedly Bazoer, Joshua Brenet, Roshon van Eijma, Sherel Floranus, Deveron Fonville, Jurien Gaari, Armando Obispo and Shurandy Sambo

Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Kevin Felida, Ar'jany Martha, Tyrese Noslin and Godfried Roemeratoe

Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse, Tahith Chong, Kenji Gorre, Sontje Hansen, Gervane Kastaneer, Brandley Kuwas, Jurgen Locadia and Jearl Margaritha

Curacao World Cup squad

J. Locadia

Achievements