Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup: The Island That Conquered the World

Curaçao will make their FIFA World Cup debut in 2026, and the sheer improbability of their achievement deserves to be stated plainly: a Caribbean island of approximately 150,000 people — smaller than most World Cup host cities — has qualified for the biggest sporting event on the planet. The Twisters, as the national team is known, arrive at the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico as one of the smallest nations ever to grace the World Cup stage, carrying the dreams of an entire island and a diaspora that stretches across the Netherlands and beyond.

The qualifying campaign was nothing short of remarkable. Curaçao went unbeaten through 10 CONCACAF qualifying matches — 7 wins and 3 draws — scoring 28 goals and conceding just 5. A goal difference of +23, six clean sheets, and zero defeats represent a level of dominance that few predicted when the campaign began. Under experienced leadership, a squad built largely on players with Dutch footballing roots transformed from Caribbean hopefuls into genuine CONCACAF contenders.

Drawn into Group E alongside Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ecuador, Curaçao face opponents that dwarf them in population, resources, and footballing history. Germany are four-time World Cup champions. Côte d'Ivoire are the reigning African champions. Ecuador are established South American qualifiers with multiple World Cup appearances. Yet Curaçao have already defied every expectation placed upon them, and the World Cup itself is the ultimate stage on which to continue that defiance.

Current Form and Momentum

Curaçao's overall form across 10 qualifying matches is outstanding: 7 wins, 3 draws, 0 losses, 28 goals scored, 5 conceded. An average of 2.8 goals per match and 0.5 conceded per match. The unbeaten record is the headline statistic — across the entire qualifying campaign, no team managed to beat Curaçao.

The campaign's trajectory reveals a team that grew in confidence and quality as the matches progressed. The early rounds against Barbados (4-1 home win) and Aruba (2-0 away win) in June 2024 were comfortable but unspectacular — professional results against Caribbean neighbors that set the foundation for what followed.

The June 2025 window marked a significant step forward. A 4-0 home demolition of St. Lucia demonstrated attacking firepower, while a stunning 5-1 away victory over Haiti — a team with genuine CONCACAF pedigree — announced Curaçao as serious contenders. The Haiti result, in particular, was a statement: winning 5-1 away from home against a team that had competed at the 2019 Gold Cup semifinal showed that Curaçao's ambitions extended far beyond merely participating.

The September-November 2025 phase brought tougher opposition and tighter matches. A 0-0 away draw against Trinidad and Tobago showed defensive discipline, while a 3-2 home win over Bermuda — the closest Curaçao came to defeat in the entire campaign — revealed a team capable of winning ugly when required. A 2-0 home victory over Jamaica was arguably the campaign's most impressive result, defeating a team with significant Premier League representation.

The final two matches encapsulated Curaçao's qualifying identity: a 1-1 home draw with Trinidad and Tobago and a 0-0 away draw with Jamaica. These results, while not victories, demonstrated the maturity and defensive organization that had underpinned the entire campaign. Curaçao did not need to win — they needed to not lose — and they managed the situation with the composure of a team far more experienced than their World Cup debut status suggests.

The most recent results show a team that finished qualifying strongly:

• October 2025: W 2-0 vs Jamaica (H), D 1-1 vs Trinidad & Tobago (H)
• November 2025: W 7-0 vs Bermuda (A), D 0-0 vs Jamaica (A)

The 7-0 away demolition of Bermuda in the penultimate match was a reminder of Curaçao's attacking capability, while the 0-0 draw in Jamaica — a notoriously difficult away fixture in CONCACAF — showed the defensive resilience that will be essential at the World Cup.

CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Campaign

An Unbeaten Path to History

Curaçao's qualifying campaign through CONCACAF was a masterclass in consistency and tactical adaptability. The Twisters' unbeaten record of 7W-3D-0L across 10 matches, with 28 goals scored and just 5 conceded, represents one of the most impressive qualifying campaigns by any debutant nation in World Cup history.

The campaign began in June 2024 with matches against Caribbean opposition. A 4-1 home victory over Barbados and a 2-0 away win in Aruba were expected results, but the manner of the victories — clinical finishing, defensive organization, and tactical discipline — set the tone for what followed. These early matches allowed the coaching staff to establish the tactical framework and build the squad cohesion that would prove decisive in later rounds.

The June 2025 window represented the campaign's turning point. The 4-0 home win over St. Lucia was comprehensive, but it was the 5-1 away victory in Haiti that transformed perceptions of Curaçao's potential. Haiti, with their Gold Cup pedigree and home advantage, were expected to provide a stern test. Instead, Curaçao produced a performance of devastating attacking quality, scoring five goals away from home and conceding just once. This result sent a message to the rest of CONCACAF: Curaçao were not tourists — they were contenders.

The September-November 2025 phase brought the campaign's most challenging fixtures. Trinidad and Tobago, with their own World Cup history (2006), and Jamaica, with their Premier League-laden squad, represented the strongest opposition Curaçao would face. The results across these four matches — W 3-2 vs Bermuda (H), D 0-0 vs Trinidad & Tobago (A), W 2-0 vs Jamaica (H), D 1-1 vs Trinidad & Tobago (H) — demonstrated tactical versatility and mental resilience.

The 2-0 home victory over Jamaica deserves particular attention. Jamaica's squad features players from the Premier League, Championship, and MLS — a significant step up in individual quality from Curaçao's earlier opponents. Yet Curaçao controlled the match, defended with discipline, and took their chances with clinical efficiency. This result, more than any other, suggested that Curaçao could compete at the World Cup level.

The campaign concluded with a 7-0 away demolition of Bermuda and a 0-0 draw in Jamaica. The Bermuda result padded the goal difference, while the Jamaica draw — earned through disciplined defending in a hostile away environment — sealed qualification with an unbeaten record intact.

The discipline record of 13 yellow cards and 0 reds across 10 matches reflects a team that plays with controlled aggression. The penalty record of 3 scored from 3 attempts (100%) adds another dimension to the team's clinical nature.

Date	Opponent	Venue	Result	Competition
2024-06-06	Barbados	Home	W 4-1	WCQ
2024-06-08	Aruba	Away	W 2-0	WCQ
2025-06-06	St. Lucia	Home	W 4-0	WCQ
2025-06-11	Haiti	Away	W 5-1	WCQ
2025-09-05	Trinidad & Tobago	Away	D 0-0	WCQ
2025-09-09	Bermuda	Home	W 3-2	WCQ
2025-10-10	Jamaica	Home	W 2-0	WCQ
2025-10-14	Trinidad & Tobago	Home	D 1-1	WCQ
2025-11-13	Bermuda	Away	W 7-0	WCQ
2025-11-18	Jamaica	Away	D 0-0	WCQ

Key Players for Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup

Leandro Bacuna — The Captain and Veteran Leader

Leandro Bacuna is the embodiment of Curaçao's footballing identity — a player born in the Netherlands, developed in English football at Aston Villa, and now leading his ancestral nation to the World Cup. The veteran midfielder captained the team in 8 of the 10 qualifying matches, providing the experience, leadership, and tactical intelligence that anchored Curaçao's historic campaign.

Bacuna's career in English football — including years at Aston Villa in the Premier League and subsequent spells in the Championship — has equipped him with an understanding of high-level tactical demands that few players in the Curaçao squad can match. His ability to read the game, position himself intelligently, and distribute the ball effectively makes him the metronome of Curaçao's midfield.

At the World Cup, Bacuna's leadership will be tested like never before. Against Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ecuador, the captain must set the tone for a squad that has never experienced anything remotely comparable to the World Cup stage. His composure under pressure, his ability to organize teammates, and his experience of big-match atmospheres from his Premier League days will be invaluable in managing the psychological demands of the tournament.

At his age, Bacuna knows this is likely his only World Cup — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that adds emotional weight to every minute on the pitch.

Juninho Bacuna — The Dynamic Midfielder

Juninho Bacuna, Leandro's brother, adds a different dimension to Curaçao's midfield. Where Leandro provides experience and composure, Juninho offers dynamism, goal-scoring threat, and the ability to drive forward from midfield positions.

Juninho's career has included spells at Rangers and Birmingham City, providing exposure to competitive British football and the physical demands of the Scottish Premiership and English Championship. His ability to arrive late in the box, shoot from distance, and contribute both offensively and defensively makes him one of Curaçao's most complete midfield options.

The Bacuna brothers' partnership in midfield is the foundation of Curaçao's tactical system. Their understanding of each other's movements, their complementary skill sets, and their shared motivation to represent their heritage on the world stage create a midfield axis that is greater than the sum of its parts.

At the World Cup, Juninho's goal-scoring ability from midfield could be crucial. In matches where Curaçao may struggle to create clear-cut chances, his willingness to shoot from distance and his timing of runs into the box provide alternative routes to goal.

Cuco Martina — The Experienced Defender

Cuco Martina brings a wealth of European experience to Curaçao's defensive line. The defender's career has included stints at Everton and Southampton in the Premier League — experience that provides an understanding of the tactical and physical demands of top-level football that is rare in the Curaçao squad.

Martina's versatility — capable of playing at right-back, center-back, or in a back three — gives the coaching staff tactical flexibility. His Premier League experience means he has faced some of the world's best attackers and understands the positioning, concentration, and decision-making required to defend at the highest level.

At the World Cup, Martina's experience will be invaluable in organizing the defense against the quality of Germany's, Côte d'Ivoire's, and Ecuador's attacking players. His ability to remain calm under pressure, communicate with teammates, and make the right defensive decisions in high-stakes moments could be the difference between a competitive performance and a defensive collapse.

Kenji Gorré — The Attacking Spark

Kenji Gorré provides Curaçao with pace, directness, and the ability to create something from nothing on the wing. The winger's ability to beat defenders one-on-one, deliver dangerous crosses, and cut inside to shoot makes him the team's most exciting attacking talent.

Gorré's style of play is perfectly suited to the counter-attacking approach Curaçao will likely adopt at the World Cup. When the Twisters win the ball against Germany or Côte d'Ivoire, they will need players who can carry it forward quickly and create chances before the opposition can reorganize. Gorré's pace and dribbling ability make him the ideal outlet for these transition moments.

His contribution in qualifying — providing width, stretching defenses, and creating chances for teammates — was a key factor in Curaçao's 28-goal haul. At the World Cup, where chances will be fewer and more precious, Gorré's ability to make the most of limited attacking opportunities will be critical.

Eloy Room — The Goalkeeper and Shield

Eloy Room, the Columbus Crew goalkeeper, brings MLS experience and shot-stopping quality to Curaçao's last line of defense. His performances in Major League Soccer — including high-pressure playoff matches and regular-season competition against quality attackers — provide a level of goalkeeping experience that will be essential at the World Cup.

Room's contribution to Curaçao's qualifying campaign was significant: 6 clean sheets in 10 matches and just 5 goals conceded reflect a goalkeeper who commands his area, organizes his defense, and produces saves when called upon. His save percentage and consistency throughout the campaign earned the trust of the coaching staff and the confidence of the defenders in front of him.

At the World Cup, Room will face a dramatic increase in the quality and volume of shots. Germany's clinical finishing, Côte d'Ivoire's dynamic attacking play, and Ecuador's organized offensive system will all test him to his limits. His ability to produce match-defining saves — the kind that keep underdogs in matches they are expected to lose — could be the single most important factor in determining whether Curaçao compete or capitulate in Group E.

Tactical Profile Under Dick Advocaat

Tactical Flexibility: Three Systems, One Identity

Dick Advocaat — one of the most experienced coaches in world football, with a career spanning decades and including stints with the Netherlands, South Korea, Russia, and numerous European clubs — has brought tactical sophistication and professional standards to Curaçao's World Cup preparation. His appointment signaled the seriousness of Curaçao's ambitions, and his influence is evident in the team's tactical versatility and defensive organization.

Advocaat deployed three different formations across the 10 qualifying matches: a 4-3-3 (used 5 times), a 3-4-3 (used 3 times), and a 4-2-3-1 (used twice). This tactical flexibility is a significant asset — it allows Curaçao to adapt their approach based on the opponent, the match situation, and the available personnel.

The 4-3-3, used most frequently, is the primary system. It reflects Curaçao's Dutch footballing heritage — the formation synonymous with Total Football and the Netherlands' attacking philosophy. The three-man midfield, anchored by Leandro Bacuna and energized by Juninho, provides control in the center of the pitch, while the wide forwards — including Gorré — provide width and goal-scoring threat.

The 3-4-3, used in 3 matches, represents a more aggressive option that floods the attacking third with three forwards while relying on wing-backs to provide width. This system was typically deployed against weaker opposition or in matches where Curaçao needed to chase the game, and it produced some of the campaign's most emphatic results.

The 4-2-3-1, used twice, offers a more conservative approach with a double pivot in midfield providing additional defensive security. This formation is likely to be Advocaat's preferred option for the World Cup matches against Germany and Côte d'Ivoire, where defensive organization and counter-attacking efficiency will be paramount.

The attacking output of 2.8 goals per match in qualifying demonstrates that all three systems produce chances and goals. The defensive record of 0.5 goals conceded per match — with 6 clean sheets in 10 matches — reflects the organizational discipline that Advocaat has instilled. The 60% clean sheet rate is particularly impressive and suggests a team that prioritizes defensive structure without sacrificing attacking intent.

Advocaat's experience of managing at the highest level — including World Cup campaigns with the Netherlands and South Korea — is an invaluable asset for a squad making its World Cup debut. His ability to prepare players for the tactical, physical, and psychological demands of tournament football could be the difference between Curaçao competing and being overwhelmed.

Group E Preview

Germany — The Four-Time Champions

Germany are the headline act in Group E and represent the most formidable challenge Curaçao will face at the World Cup. The four-time champions' squad depth, tactical sophistication, and tournament pedigree make them one of the favorites to progress deep into the knockout rounds.

For Curaçao, the Germany match is the ultimate David vs Goliath encounter. Germany's population is over 500 times larger than Curaçao's. Their football infrastructure, youth development system, and domestic league are among the best in the world. The individual quality gap across every position on the pitch is vast.

Yet Curaçao have Advocaat — a coach who has managed against Germany multiple times in his career and understands their tactical tendencies intimately. His ability to prepare a game plan that limits Germany's strengths and exploits any weaknesses could give Curaçao a fighting chance of keeping the match competitive.

The tactical approach will almost certainly be defensive: a deep-sitting 4-2-3-1 or 5-4-1 that prioritizes compactness, limits space between the lines, and looks to frustrate Germany's creative players. Curaçao's counter-attacking threat — through Gorré's pace and the Bacuna brothers' ability to drive forward — provides an outlet that Germany cannot entirely ignore.

A draw would be one of the greatest results in World Cup history. A narrow defeat would be a creditable performance. The goal is to compete, to show the world that Curaçao belong, and to avoid the kind of heavy defeat that could damage confidence for the remaining matches.

Côte d'Ivoire — The African Champions

Côte d'Ivoire, the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions, bring a combination of individual quality, tactical organization, and tournament-winning mentality to Group E. The Elephants' squad features players from Europe's top leagues, and their AFCON triumph demonstrated their ability to perform under pressure on the biggest stage.

For Curaçao, the Côte d'Ivoire match may represent the best opportunity to take points in Group E. While the Elephants are clearly the stronger team, they are not Germany, and their own World Cup history includes inconsistent group-stage performances. If Curaçao can match Côte d'Ivoire's physical intensity, disrupt their build-up play, and create chances through set pieces and counter-attacks, a draw is within the realm of possibility.

The key battle will be in the wide areas, where Côte d'Ivoire's dynamic wingers will test Curaçao's defensive discipline. Advocaat's tactical flexibility — the ability to switch between a back four and a back three depending on the match situation — could be crucial in managing Côte d'Ivoire's attacking threats.

Curaçao's unbeaten qualifying record provides a psychological foundation: this is a team that does not lose easily. Translating that mentality to the World Cup stage against African champions will be the ultimate test of Curaçao's competitive spirit.

Ecuador — The South American Threat

Ecuador complete Group E and represent another significant challenge for Curaçao. La Tri have established themselves as regular World Cup participants, with appearances in 2002, 2006, 2014, and 2022 providing a wealth of tournament experience that Curaçao entirely lack.

Ecuador's tactical approach — typically organized, physical, and effective in transition — shares some similarities with the CONCACAF opponents Curaçao faced in qualifying. This familiarity could work in Curaçao's favor, as the Twisters have experience of competing against teams that play with a similar style and intensity.

The Ecuador match could be the most important fixture for Curaçao's Group E prospects. If the Twisters arrive at this match with 0-1 points from the Germany and Côte d'Ivoire matches, the Ecuador game becomes a must-win — or at least a must-not-lose — encounter. Curaçao's qualifying record against teams of similar stature (the 2-0 win over Jamaica, the draws against Trinidad & Tobago) suggests they can compete in this type of match.

Advocaat's tactical preparation will be crucial. Ecuador's strengths and weaknesses are well-documented, and the experienced Dutch coach will have a detailed game plan designed to exploit any vulnerabilities while protecting against Ecuador's attacking threats.

Overall Outlook

Group E is a daunting challenge for Curaçao, and an honest assessment must acknowledge that the Twisters are the clear underdogs in every match. Germany are expected to top the group, with Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador competing for second place and Curaçao likely finishing fourth.

The realistic target is 0-2 points. A single point — earned through a draw against Côte d'Ivoire or Ecuador — would be a historic achievement for a nation of 150,000 people. A victory would be extraordinary and would rank among the greatest upsets in World Cup history.

The expanded 48-team format provides a theoretical path to the knockout rounds, but Curaçao would need a combination of their own results and favorable outcomes elsewhere. The more realistic goal is to compete with dignity, avoid embarrassing defeats, and demonstrate that small nations can belong on the World Cup stage.

Curaçao's story is already one of the great narratives of the 2026 World Cup. Whatever happens on the pitch, the island has already achieved something remarkable. But this is a team with the tactical organization, the experienced coach, and the competitive spirit to ensure that their World Cup debut is remembered for more than just participation.

Strengths That Make Curaçao a Threat

• Unbeaten Qualifying Record: Going 7W-3D-0L across 10 qualifying matches demonstrates a winning mentality and defensive resilience that cannot be dismissed. Curaçao do not lose easily — they are organized, disciplined, and mentally tough. This unbeaten mindset, if carried into the World Cup, could produce the kind of stubborn performances that frustrate favored opponents.

• Dutch Footballing Heritage: Many of Curaçao's key players — including the Bacuna brothers and Cuco Martina — were born or developed in the Netherlands, bringing Dutch tactical education and European competitive experience to the squad. This connection to one of football's most influential footballing cultures provides a level of tactical sophistication that belies Curaçao's size and FIFA ranking.

• Dick Advocaat's Experience: Having one of the most experienced coaches in world football on the touchline is an enormous advantage for a World Cup debutant. Advocaat's knowledge of tournament football, his tactical acumen, and his ability to prepare players for high-pressure matches against elite opposition could be the difference between Curaçao competing and being overwhelmed.

• Tactical Flexibility: The use of three different formations in qualifying — 4-3-3, 3-4-3, and 4-2-3-1 — gives Curaçao the ability to adapt their approach for each Group E opponent. Against Germany, a defensive 4-2-3-1; against Côte d'Ivoire, a compact 4-3-3; against Ecuador, a more aggressive 3-4-3. This versatility is a genuine weapon.

• Defensive Organization: Six clean sheets in 10 qualifying matches (60%) and just 5 goals conceded reflect a team that is exceptionally well-organized defensively. At the World Cup, where keeping games tight is essential for underdogs, Curaçao's defensive discipline could keep them in matches that the pre-match odds suggest they should lose comfortably.

Weaknesses and Risks

• Population and Resource Limitations: Curaçao's population of approximately 150,000 means the player pool is minuscule compared to their Group E opponents. Germany (84 million), Côte d'Ivoire (28 million), and Ecuador (18 million) all have vastly larger populations from which to select players. While the Dutch diaspora connection expands the talent pool, the fundamental resource gap is enormous and affects everything from youth development to squad depth.

• Quality of Qualifying Opposition: While Curaçao's unbeaten record is impressive, the opponents — Barbados, Aruba, St. Lucia, Haiti, Bermuda, Trinidad & Tobago, and Jamaica — represent a significant step down from World Cup opposition. The jump from beating Bermuda 7-0 to facing Germany is one of the largest quality gaps at the tournament. The qualifying statistics, while excellent, may not be reliable predictors of World Cup performance.

• Squad Depth Beyond Key Players: Curaçao's starting XI — built around the Bacuna brothers, Martina, Gorré, and Room — is competitive for a team of their size. However, the depth beyond these key players is a concern. Injuries or suspensions to any of the core players would significantly diminish the team's quality, and the bench options may not provide adequate replacements against World Cup-level opposition.

• No World Cup Experience: This is Curaçao's first World Cup, and no player in the squad has previously competed at the tournament. The magnitude of the occasion — the crowds, the media attention, the pressure, the intensity — could overwhelm players who have never experienced anything comparable. Managing the psychological demands of a World Cup debut is a challenge that even experienced nations sometimes fail to navigate.

• Physical and Athletic Gap: Against Germany's, Côte d'Ivoire's, and Ecuador's squads — filled with players who train at elite European and South American clubs with world-class fitness and conditioning programs — Curaçao may struggle to match the physical intensity required over 90 minutes. The demands of three group matches in a short period could expose fitness limitations that were not apparent in qualifying.

Curaçao's Chances at the 2026 World Cup

Curaçao's chances at the 2026 World Cup must be understood through the lens of what this team has already achieved. Qualifying for the World Cup with a population of 150,000 is, in itself, one of the most remarkable achievements in the tournament's history. Iceland's run to the 2018 World Cup with a population of 350,000 was celebrated as a footballing miracle — Curaçao have done it with less than half that number.

The realistic assessment is that Curaçao are the weakest team in Group E and face an uphill battle in every match. Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ecuador all possess significantly more individual quality, squad depth, and tournament experience. A group-stage exit with 0-1 points is the most likely outcome.

However, football is not played on paper, and Curaçao have several factors working in their favor. Dick Advocaat's tactical expertise provides a level of coaching quality that matches or exceeds what many higher-ranked nations can offer. The unbeaten qualifying record reflects a mentality of resilience and refusal to accept defeat. The Dutch heritage connection provides players with European tactical education and competitive experience.

The dream scenario is a single draw — against Côte d'Ivoire or Ecuador — that earns Curaçao their first-ever World Cup point and provides a moment of national celebration that transcends football. A victory would be one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history and would cement Curaçao's place in the tournament's folklore forever.

Curaçao's floor is three defeats and a swift exit. But even in that scenario, the 2026 World Cup will be remembered as the tournament where a tiny Caribbean island proved that football truly is the world's game — that size, wealth, and history are not prerequisites for competing on the grandest stage.

The Twisters have already written one of the great stories of the 2026 World Cup. The final chapters are yet to be written, and Curaçao have earned the right to write them on their own terms.

FAQ

What group is Curaçao in at the 2026 World Cup?

Curaçao are in Group E alongside Germany, Côte d'Ivoire, and Ecuador. It is a demanding draw for the World Cup debutants, with four-time champions Germany headlining the group.

Is this Curaçao's first World Cup?

Yes, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is Curaçao's first-ever appearance at the tournament. With a population of approximately 150,000, Curaçao are one of the smallest nations ever to qualify for the World Cup.

How did Curaçao qualify for the 2026 World Cup?

Curaçao qualified through CONCACAF qualifying with an unbeaten record: 7 wins and 3 draws in 10 matches. They scored 28 goals and conceded just 5, finishing their qualifying campaign without a single defeat.

Who is Curaçao's captain at the 2026 World Cup?

Leandro Bacuna captains Curaçao, having worn the armband in 8 of the 10 qualifying matches. The veteran midfielder, who previously played for Aston Villa in the Premier League, is the team's leader and most experienced player.

Why do Curaçao have so many players with Dutch backgrounds?

Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which means its citizens hold Dutch passports and many families have connections to the Netherlands. Several key players — including the Bacuna brothers and Cuco Martina — were born or raised in the Netherlands and developed through Dutch football academies before choosing to represent Curaçao internationally.

Can Curaçao get out of Group E at the 2026 World Cup?

It would be one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history, but it is not entirely impossible. Curaçao would likely need to beat either Côte d'Ivoire or Ecuador and draw another match to have any chance of finishing in the top three. The expanded 48-team format, where the best third-placed teams advance, provides a slightly wider path, but the quality gap between Curaçao and their group opponents makes progression extremely unlikely. The realistic goal is to compete with dignity and earn at least one historic World Cup point.