SYDNEY (DA) — Curaçao will travel to Melbourne on Saturday to continue preparations for its second and final match of the 2026 FIFA Series against host Australia.
Curaçao opened the tournament with a 2-0 loss to China at Accor Stadium in Olympic Park.
After that match, coach Fred Rutten said it was his first chance to see the players in an official game setting and that there were many details the team can continue to work on.
Rutten said the match turned on two moments that led to the defeat, adding that every game offers a lesson as Curaçao continues its preparation for the World Cup.
Captain Leandro Bacuna said there is no reason for panic. He said Curaçao must take the positive elements from the result and build on them, adding that China did not dominate the match but made the most of two chances to secure the victory.
Curaçao’s next match is set for Tuesday, March 31, at 5 a.m. Curaçao time against Australia.