The tiny Caribbean nation of Curacao became the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup on Tuesday after battling to a 0-0 draw against Jamaica in Kingston.
Curacao — with a population of just 156,000 people — fought off a furious second-half on slaught from the Reggae Boyz to grab the draw they needed to clinch their ticket to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The result capped a fairytale qualification campaign for the team known as the ‘Blue Wave’, who finished top of Group B with 12 points from six games, one point clear of Jamaica.
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Curacao are by far the smallest nation ever to qualify for the World Cup, which is being expanded to 48 teams next year forthe first time.
The previous smallest country to qualify for the tournament were Iceland in 2018, with a population of around 350,000.
Earlier, Scotland scored two dramatic stoppage-time goals to beat 10-man Denmark 4-2 on Tuesday, booking their place at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1998.
On a crackling night in Glasgow, substitute Kieran Tierney found the net from outside the box to restore the home side’s lead in the 93rd minute.
But there was still time for a sensational fourth from fellow substitute Kenny McLean, who lifted the ball over Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel from the halfway line.
It means Steve Clarke’s men will be at next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States while Denmark, who only needed a draw to top Group C, face the lottery of the play-offs.
TOPSHOT – Scotland’s midfielder #04 Scott McTominay grabs the corner flag as Scotland’s midfielder #23 Kenny McLean celebrates with teammates after scoring his long-range last-kick of the game goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification football match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow on November 18, 2025. Scotland scored two dramatic stoppage-time goals to beat 10-man Denmark 4-2 on Tuesday and reach the World Cup for the first time since 1998. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)Source: AFP
“That just sums up this squad,” captain Andy Robertson told the BBC. “Never say die. We just keep going right to the end and one of the craziest games.
“We put the country through it, but I’m sure it’s worth it. We’re going to the World Cup.
“I’ve hid it well, but today I’ve been in bits. I know the age I’m at, this could be my last chance to go to the World Cup.”
On a night of high emotion at Hampden Park, Scotland took the lead in just the third minute courtesy of a phenomenal Scott McTominay overhead kick.
The Danes quickly settled and dominated possession for the rest of the half but could not find the net.
However, Rasmus Hojlund levelled from the penalty spot in the 57th minute after a lengthy VAR check ruled that Robertson had fouled Gustav Isaksen.
Four minutes later the Danes were down to 10 men when Rasmus Kristensen was harshly handed a second booking after being adjudged to have brought down John McGinn.
The Scots were back in front when Lawrence Shankland turned in a corner from Lewis Ferguson in the 78th minute but the lead lasted just four minutes before Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu side-footed the ball home for a second equaliser.
But Scotland were still not done.
Tierney kept his cool from distance and then McLean made the win certain. Scotland finish as Group C winners with 13 points, two clear of Denmark.
Scotland’s midfielder #23 Kenny McLean (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring his long-range last-kick of the game goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification football match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow on November 18, 2025. Scotland scored two dramatic stoppage-time goals to beat 10-man Denmark 4-2 on Tuesday and reach the World Cup for the first time since 1998. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)Source: AFPTOPSHOT – Scotland players celebrate on the pitch after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European qualification football match between Scotland and Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow on November 18, 2025. Scotland scored two dramatic stoppage-time goals to beat 10-man Denmark 4-2 on Tuesday and reach the World Cup for the first time since 1998. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)Source: AFP
WALES ADVANCE TO PLAYOFFS
Harry Wilson scored a hat-trick as Wales secured home advantage for their 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final with a statement 7-1 thrashing of North Macedonia in Cardiff on Tuesday.
Craig Bellamy’s men knew they could still pip Belgium to automatic qualification from Group J with a win, but would need the 2018 World Cup semi-finalists to slip up at home to Liechtenstein.
With Belgium on their way to a thumping 7-0 win in Liege, Wales’ match against North Macedonia became all about securing a home semi-final, with both teams already assured of berths in the play-offs next March.
Wilson gave Wales the lead in the 18th minute from the penalty spot before David Brooks doubled the advantage.
Bojan Miovski quickly pulled one back for North Macedonia, who were also looking to finish second behind Belgium and potentially avoid an away semi-final.
But a brilliant solo goal from Brennan Johnson killed off the game before half-time.
Daniel James swept home another in the 57th minute from a wonderful Wilson flick, before the stand-in skipper scored his second.
The Fulham midfielder completed a memorable treble with his second penalty nine minutes from time, and substitute Nathan Broadhead rounded off the scoring.
Wales and North Macedonia will now have their eyes firmly fixed on Thursday’s play-off draw.
There are four places up for grabs in the 16-team European play-offs.
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UNBEATEN SPAIN QUALIFY
Spain booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup with a 2-2 draw against Turkey in their final qualifier on Tuesday to top Group E.
Turkey finished second and will compete in the play-offs after they became the first team to force Luis de la Fuente’s Euro 2024 champions to drop points.
Dani Olmo fired Spain ahead but Deniz Gul and Salih Ozcan struck for Turkey as the hosts conceded their first goals in the qualification process.
Mikel Oyarzabal hit back to equalise in Seville for a Spain team looking to win football’s biggest prize for the second time.
Spain scored 21 goals in qualifying while conceding just twice and have not tasted defeat in a national record 31 consecutive games.
However, that run includes a 2-2 Nations League final draw with Portugal after extra-time in June, with Spain losing on penalties.
Turkey showed De la Fuente’s side are not flawless, although Spain were missing several key players, including Lamine Yamal, Nico Williams and Rodri.
“There’s a lot of work to do and time to think about a lot of things, but we will prepare well,” said De la Fuente, who was upset by Barca star Yamal undergoing treatment on a groin injury which ruled him out of the final qualifiers.
“I hope I can count on all the players to be able to take the best players that we have in Spain to compete in and try to win this beautiful competition,” he added.
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They knew to reach a 13th consecutive World Cup all they had to do was avoid defeat by a seven-goal margin, which was never on the cards, and might have triumphed if not for some inspired goalkeeping by Manchester United stopper Altay Bayindir.
“We wanted to finish with a win and a clean sheet, so it’s bitter-sweet… but we’re happy to qualify for the World Cup,” Olmo told TVE.
“They had chances and we did too, there could have been more goals.”
After just four minutes Spain took the lead. Marc Cucurella’s cross found Olmo in the box and he controlled it well to bypass a defender before finishing lethally.
The Barcelona playmaker twice came close to scoring a second from long range but Bayindir tipped over both efforts.
Turkey became the first team to score against Spain in qualifying just before the break when Gul levelled, reacting quickly to flick home a knock-down from a corner.
The visitors came out strongly in the second half and forced Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon into a pair of smart saves before taking the lead.
Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ozcan rifled home from the edge of the box after Orkun Kokcu had set the ball up nicely for him.
Spain bit back and Oyarzabal finished from close range after Merih Demiral did brilliantly to block Yeremy Pino’s shot on the line but it rebounded off another defender nicely for the Real Sociedad forward.
It was Oyarzabal’s sixth goal in a qualifying campaign where he has staked his claim to be Spain’s starting striker at the World Cup.
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Substitute Samu Aghehowa came close as Spain sought a winner, but Bayindir kept out his header and then denied Alex Baena to secure Turkey an impressive point.
Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez found the net in stoppage time but his goal was disallowed for offside.
“It’s a moment to look back and see all we’ve done, all we’ve worked for, the commitment from everyone, and celebrate,” said Spain’s Marcos Llorente.
“It’s a nice moment for the national team and we have to enjoy that.”
Austria, Belgium and Switzerland qualified for the 2026 World Cup on Tuesday as the last round of European qualifying came to an end.
Belgium hammered Liechtenstein 7-0 to book their ticket to next summer’s tournament in North America, while 1-1 draws were enough to seal Switzerland and Austria’s places at the global footballing showpiece
