WILLEMSTAD (DA) — Curaçao’s preparations for its 2026 FIFA World Cup debut are starting to take a clearer shape.
Kees Jansma, the press officer for the Curaçao national football team, has confirmed to Deporte Awe that the Blue Wave will be based in Boca Raton, Florida, during the tournament. The team will stay at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center and train at Florida Atlantic University.
For Curaçao, choosing a base camp is one of the biggest off-field decisions ahead of a World Cup. It is where the team will live, recover, plan, and fine-tune its approach between matches — essentially serving as the national team’s home away from home during the competition.
Unlike a single-host tournament where travel can be more predictable, the 2026 World Cup will be played across North America, with matches spread out in multiple cities. That makes the base camp even more important, as it becomes the consistent hub for players and staff throughout the tournament.
Curaçao will be headquartered at the Boca Raton Marriott at Boca Center, a centrally located hotel in the heart of Boca Raton and a short drive from beaches, restaurants and shopping.
The award-winning property features 11 function rooms totaling over 1,200 square metres, equipped with modern audiovisual technology, professional planning services and bespoke catering options. The guest rooms include complimentary Wi-Fi, Smart TVs, floor-to-ceiling windows and scenic city views, with access to an outdoor pool and a fitness centre.
Located minutes from Town Center at Boca Raton and Florida Atlantic University, the hotel offers a convenient setup for daily operations.
The hotel can also dedicate the highest guestroom floors to the team for added privacy and exclusivity. Curaçao will have exclusive access to all function spaces on site, giving the delegation full privacy, added operational space and enhanced security throughout the stay.
Training will take place at Florida Atlantic University, home to the university’s American football program.
Florida Atlantic University’s stadium is a 30,000-seat venue that opened in 2011. The natural grass pitch is made up of Bermuda Celebration grass and has hosted national team and club matches, including the 2014 NCAA Women’s College Cup. Palm trees located inside the venue add a distinct South Florida atmosphere to the setting.
With Boca Raton as its base, Curaçao will have a stable environment to prepare between matches, keeping routines consistent while focusing on recovery, tactics and performance as the tournament approaches.