By simply qualifying for the 2026 World Cup for the first time in history, Curaçao made history as the smallest nation — in both population and land size — to qualify for the tournament.
Watch Curaçao’s first ever World Cup goal
Livano Comenencia puts his name in the history books with this strike against Germany for Curaçao
Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
The team made more history on Sunday in their debut match against powerhouse Germany.
After falling down 1-0 in the sixth minute when Felix Nmecha scored for Germany, Curaçao responded with a goal of its own, with Livano Comenencia etching his name in the history books:
Comenencia jumped on a loose ball just inside the box, letting fly with a left-footed shot that sliced through a pair of defenders and by the keeper, for the nation’s first World Cup goal.
The goal touched off celebrations both on the pitch, and in the stands, as the smallest nation in World Cup history was level with one of the powers of the sport:
Comenencia had a little celebration of his own ready for the historic moment:
Yes, Germany scored moments later to retake the lead, and by every expectation Curaçao will taste defeat on this day.
But this moment will live forever. The smallest nation in World Cup history, scoring on debut.
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