WILLEMSTAD — Curaçao’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain open-ended as the Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) continues discussions with several national teams and clubs for friendly matches in the March and June FIFA windows. FFK president Gilbert Martina said no fixtures have been finalized and that the federation is still weighing multiple options.
Talks with Colombia and Netherlands shift after the World Cup draw
Martina confirmed that Curaçao had held preliminary discussions before the draw with two national teams: Colombia and the Netherlands. Colombia had reached a principal agreement to play Curaçao, but that arrangement fell through after the draw when Colombia received invitations to Europe for friendlies against France and Croatia.
The Netherlands also adjusted its preparation calendar. For the March window, the Dutch FA announced friendly matches against Norway and Ecuador, the latter being Curaçao’s Group E opponent at the World Cup. The Netherlands additionally indicated it plans to play two friendlies in the June window, though it has not yet named the opponents. Martina did not provide further details on any ongoing discussions with the Dutch federation.
Brazil’s Maracanã offer declined by FFK
Martina said Curaçao received an invitation from Brazil to play a send-off match at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. The federation declined the offer, citing concerns about entering the World Cup following a possible heavy loss so close to the tournament. He noted that Curaçao seeks opponents that provide strong competition without the risk of an imbalanced matchup immediately before the World Cup.
Cape Verde proposal and other teams under consideration
Curaçao currently has an invitation from fellow World Cup debutant Cape Verde to play a match in the Netherlands, an offer the FFK is actively evaluating. Martina said the federation remains in talks with several teams and will release more information once both FIFA match windows are finalized.
The FFK is prioritizing opponents from confederations represented in Group E — UEFA, CONMEBOL and CAF — to align preparation with the styles Curaçao will encounter at the World Cup. Potential opponents under consideration include a German club and the national teams of Nigeria, Bolivia or Venezuela, depending on availability and logistics. Martina emphasized that Curaçao is seeking situations where it can be the invited team, as the inviting federation typically covers associated costs.
Go-away match still planned for Willemstad
Martina said the federation still hopes to hold a traditional go-away match in Curaçao before the team departs for the World Cup. Additional details will be announced as negotiations progress and schedules become clearer.