WILLEMSTAD – Ticket sales for Curaçao’s group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will officially begin on December 11. This was confirmed by Gilbert Martina, president of the Curaçao Football Federation (FFK), in a radio interview with Maarten Schakel on Curaçao.nu.
Supporters will be able to apply for tickets for Curaçao’s three World Cup group matches through FIFA’s official ticketing platform from December 11 until January 13. Martina explained that once the application window closes, applicants will be informed about a week later how many tickets they have been allocated and at what price.
As with all participating nations, Curaçao is entitled to eight percent of the total stadium capacity per match. Since Curaçao will play its group matches in Houston, Kansas City, and Philadelphia, this translates into a total of approximately 7,000 tickets available for Curaçaoan supporters. The stadiums where the matches will be played each have capacities of around 70,000 spectators.
Charter Flights for Supporters
Martina also announced that Corendon will operate four charter flights per match during the group stage. This will allow nearly 1,000 supporters to travel directly from Curaçao to the match venues.
The charter flights are intended to keep travel costs as low as possible while ensuring a strong Curaçaoan presence—often referred to as the “Blue Legion”—in the stadiums. The flights will operate directly from Curaçao to Houston, Kansas City, and Philadelphia.
Reflecting on the Draw
During the interview, Martina reflected on the World Cup draw, calling the group featuring Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast a fantastic outcome. Curaçao, the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup, will make its debut against four-time world champion Germany.
According to Martina, that opening match has already generated enormous international attention for Curaçao. He noted that Curaçaoan flags are now even appearing at football clubs in Germany.
Martina also highlighted what he described as the symbolic nature of the other group opponents. He linked Ecuador to the South American roots of Curaçao’s earliest inhabitants, while Ivory Coast represents West Africa, where many ancestors of the Curaçaoan population originated.
Aiming for Progress
From a sporting perspective, Martina emphasized that Curaçao is not traveling to the World Cup as a tourist attraction. He stated that the team is targeting at least four points in the group stage, which could be enough to advance to the next round, given that the best third-placed teams also qualify.
He also revealed that former captain Cuco Martina attended the draw at FIFA’s request as Curaçao’s most experienced international player. Following the draw, national coach Dick Advocaat and the Curaçao delegation spoke with various international media outlets, including German, American, and British broadcasters.
Years in the Making
Martina concluded by reflecting on the long road toward World Cup qualification. He said he had believed in qualification for years, particularly after the current technical staff was appointed. According to him, the historic achievement is the result of extensive behind-the-scenes work, careful planning, perseverance, and long-term organization.
“The World Cup ticket,” Martina said, “is not a coincidence—it is the outcome of years of belief and effort.”