Curaçao recognized by Guinness World Records as smallest nation to qualify for FIFA World Cup
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Caribbean island nation of Curaçao has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the smallest country by population to ever qualify for the FIFA World Cup. The official certificate was presented to Gilbert Martina, President of the Curaçao Football Federation, in Houston, USA. With a population of 156,115 at the time of qualification on November 19, 2025, Curaçao surpassed Iceland's previous record of approximately 350,000 during its 2018 qualification. Managed by Dick Advocaat, Curaçao, also known as the 'Blue Wave', secured their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by finishing top of their CONCACAF third-round qualifying group with three wins and three draws, culminating in a 0–0 draw against Jamaica. Curaçao played their first game in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, on Sunday, June 14, losing 7–1.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadSerena Williams and her Czech doubles partner Karolina Muchova were defeated in straight sets by Giuliana Olmos of Mexico and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand at the Berlin Open. This match followed the confirmation of Williams' return to Wimbledon to play alongside her sister, Venus. Williams, 44, noted she felt "more nimble and more sturdy and quicker" than in her previous match, emphasizing the need for quickness on grass. This was Williams' second match since announcing her comeback earlier in June, having won her first match at Queen's Club before her partner's injury ended their tournament. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, stepped away from tennis in 2022 but returned due to a desire to play in front of her daughters. Despite showing flashes of her powerful game, she acknowledged a lack of rhythm after a nearly four-year absence. She dismissed speculation about a singles return at Wimbledon, stating, "I need to get to work." Her last Grand Slam singles victory was the 2017 Australian Open, and she last won Wimbledon in 2016. The Williams sisters have secured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including six at Wimbledon.
Must ReadThe Democratic Republic of Congo's Senate has passed a bill concerning the holding of referendums, a move that could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to amend the constitution and seek a third term. This development follows clashes between anti- and pro-Tshisekedi demonstrators protesting against the government's constitutional change plans. President Tshisekedi, whose second and final term under the current constitution ends in 2028, stated last month he would accept a third term if the people desired it after a constitutional reform referendum. The bill, which previously passed the lower house, is a technical text on referendum organization but could facilitate the removal of the presidential two-term limit. It now requires approval from the Constitutional Court and the President's signature. The DRC is currently facing an Ebola outbreak and conflict with the M23 armed group in its eastern region. Tshisekedi's coalition holds a parliamentary majority, while main opposition parties have formed a coalition to oppose what they view as an attempt to retain power. Several opposition figures were injured during a recent protest that involved skirmishes with government supporters and police, with local rights groups reporting two bodies recovered.
The Lagos State Police Command has refuted reports alleging that Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Khan Salihu was kidnapped before his death. Police spokesperson SP Abimbola Adebisi stated on Tuesday that the reports are false, misleading, and fabricated. Adebisi clarified that Salihu had complained of feeling unwell and was rushed to the hospital, where doctors later confirmed his death. She emphasized that Salihu was never kidnapped or involved in any criminal incident. The spokesperson expressed concern over the publication of unverified information by a media platform, noting that it caused distress to the late officer's family, friends, and colleagues. Adebisi called for the immediate withdrawal of the report, a public correction, and an apology from the media organization, stressing the importance of accountability. The command urged the public to rely on verified information from official police channels and reaffirmed its commitment to combating misinformation.