Curaçao national football team

The Curaçao national football team (Dutch: Curaçaos voetbalelftal; Papiamento: Selekshon di Futbòl Kòrsou) represents Curaçao in international football, and is controlled by the Curaçao Football Federation (Federashon Futbòl Kòrsou; FFK).[3]

Curaçao
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)La Familia Azul
La Pantera Negra
La Pantera Azul
AssociationFederashon Futbòl Kòrsou
ConfederationCONCACAF (North America)
Sub-confederationCFU (Caribbean)
Head coachDick Advocaat
CaptainCuco Martina
Most capsCuco Martina (65)
Top scorerRangelo Janga (21)
Home stadiumStadion Ergilio Hato
FIFA codeCUW
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 90 Decrease 2 (24 October 2024)[1]
Highest68 (July 2017)
Lowest188 (December 2003)
First international
 Dominican Republic 1–0 Curaçao 
(San Cristóbal, Dominican Republic; 18 August 2011)
Biggest win
 Curaçao 10–0 Grenada 
(Willemstad, Curaçao; 10 September 2018)
Biggest defeat
 Argentina 7–0 Curaçao 
(Santiago del Estero, Argentina; 28 March 2023)
Gold Cup
Appearances2 (first in 2017)
Best resultQuarter-finals (2019)

Following a constitutional change that allowed its predecessor, the Colony of Curaçao and Dependencies to become a unified constituent country consisting of several island territories as the Netherlands Antilles and its dissolution in 2010, Curaçao has played under a new constitutional status as a separate constituent country since 2011.[4]

Both FIFA and CONCACAF recognize the Curaçao national team to be the direct and sole successor of the dependant Curaçao (1921–1958) and the Netherlands Antilles national football teams.[5][6][7]

History

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The first national football team to bear the name Curaçao was the Territory of Curaçao national football team, which made its debut in 1924 in an away match against neighboring Aruba, a match which the Territory of Curaçao won four to nil. This happened in the stadium De Lupaso when the lights went off in the event of them selling Electricity to South Africa.

In December 1954, the territory of Curaçao became the Netherlands Antilles, and following a constitutional change the Netherlands Antilles were designated a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which included the islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten. The name of the Curaçao team changed to Netherlands Antilles national team, representing all six islands.

In 1986, Aruba became a country within the Kingdom in its own right, with its own Aruba national team and subsequently Aruban players no longer represented the Netherlands Antilles.

On 10 October 2010, the Netherlands Antilles were dissolved, and Curaçao and Sint Maarten became countries in their own right, while Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius became part of the Netherlands proper. Although not a sovereign state, Curaçao (the largest island territory in the Netherlands Antilles) appeared on the FIFA member list in March 2011, as successor of the Netherlands Antilles.

As well as taking on the Netherlands Antilles' FIFA membership, Curaçao was recognised as the direct successor of the former (similarly to how Serbia is regarded the direct successor of Yugoslavia, and Russia for the Soviet Union), and took on its historical records and FIFA ranking.

They played their first match as the newly formed Curaçao national team on 20 August 2011 against Dominican Republic at the Estadio Panamericano, with the match ending in a 1–0 loss for Curaçao.

During the CONCACAF Qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Curaçao achieved a major feat when they defeated Cuba 1–1 with the away goals rule.

After a strong qualification campaign, Curaçao defeated host Martinique in the semi-finals of the 2017 edition of the Caribbean Cup with the score of 2–1. They met defending champions and six-time winners, Jamaica. Curaçao won their first ever Caribbean Cup by defeating Jamaica, again with the scoreline of 2–1.

Results and fixtures

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The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2024

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21 March Hybrid match Hull City   0–1   Curaçao Antalya, Turkey
Janga   35' Stadium: Antalya Stadium
24 March Hybrid match Alanyaspor   2–2   Curaçao Alanya, Turkey
Stadium: Alanya Oba Stadium
5 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Curaçao   4–1   Barbados Willemstad, Curaçao
19:30 UTC−4
Report (FIFA)
Report (CONCACAF)
Stadium: Ergilio Hato Stadium
Attendance: 4,254
Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador)
11 October 2024–25 Nations League Grenada   0–0   Curaçao Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
17:00 UTC−6 Stadium: Daren Sammy Cricket Ground
Referee: Jon Freemon (United States)
14 October 2024–25 Nations League Curaçao   1–0   Grenada Gros Islet, Saint Lucia
16:00 UTC−6 Stadium: Daren Sammy Cricket Ground
Referee: Christopher Mason (Jamaica)
15 November 2024–25 Nations League Saint Martin   0–5   Curaçao Willemstad, Curacao
16:30 UTC−6
Stadium: Ergilio Hato Stadium
Referee: Félix Mojica (Nicaragua)
18 November 2024–25 Nations League Curaçao   4–1   Saint Lucia Willemstad, Curacao
18:00 UTC−6
Stadium: Ergilio Hato Stadium
Referee: Fernando Hernández Gómez (Mexico)

2025

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Coaching staff

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Position Name
Head coach   Dick Advocaat
Assistant coach   Cor Pot
  Giovanni Franken
Goalkeeper coach   Raymond Mulder
Fitness coach   Angelo Cijntje
Video Analist   Léon Hese
Doctor   Casper van Eijck
Press Officer   Kees Jansma
Team Manager   Wouter Jansen
Content Creator   Anouar Amrani

Coaching history

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Caretaker manager are listed in italics.

Players

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Current squad

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The following 23 players were called up for the 2024–25 CONCACAF Nations League B matches against Saint Martin and Saint Lucia on respectively, 15 and 18 November 2024.[13]

Caps and goals as of 18 November 2024, after the match against Saint Lucia.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Eloy Room (captain) (1989-02-06) 6 February 1989 (age 35) 56 0   Cercle Brugge
1GK Trevor Doornbusch (1999-07-06) 6 July 1999 (age 25) 6 0 Unattached
1GK Nino Fancito (2004-09-30) 30 September 2004 (age 20) 0 0   FC Eindhoven

2DF Juriën Gaari (1993-12-23) 23 December 1993 (age 30) 45 1   Al Hazem
2DF Jurich Carolina (1998-07-15) 15 July 1998 (age 26) 15 1   FK Borac
2DF Roshon van Eijma (1998-06-09) 9 June 1998 (age 26) 14 0   RKC Waalwijk
2DF Sherel Floranus (1998-08-23) 23 August 1998 (age 26) 13 0   PEC Zwolle
2DF Shanon Carmelia (1989-03-20) 20 March 1989 (age 35) 38 2   Hercules
2DF Joshua Brenet (1994-03-20) 20 March 1994 (age 30) 8 1   Al Rayyan
2DF Ar'jany Martha (2003-09-04) 4 September 2003 (age 21) 4 0   Beerschot
2DF Tyrique Mercera (2003-12-19) 19 December 2003 (age 20) 1 0   SC Cambuur

3MF Leandro Bacuna (1991-08-21) 21 August 1991 (age 33) 57 15   FC Groningen
3MF Juninho Bacuna (1997-08-07) 7 August 1997 (age 27) 35 11   Al Wehda FC
3MF Kevin Felida (1999-11-11) 11 November 1999 (age 25) 16 0   RKC Waalwijk
3MF Godfried Roemeratoe (1999-08-19) 19 August 1999 (age 25) 15 1   RKC Waalwijk
3MF Livano Comenencia (2004-02-03) 3 February 2004 (age 20) 4 0   Juventus
3MF Brandley Kuwas (1992-09-19) 19 September 1992 (age 32) 28 2   Volendam

4FW Kenji Gorré (1994-09-29) 29 September 1994 (age 30) 26 3   Umm Salal
4FW Xander Severina (2001-04-12) 12 April 2001 (age 23) 5 1   Maccabi Haifa
4FW Gervane Kastaneer (1996-06-09) 9 June 1996 (age 28) 17 5 Unattached
4FW Jeremy Antonisse (2002-03-29) 29 March 2002 (age 22) 12 1   Moreirense
4FW Joshua Zimmerman (2001-05-23) 23 May 2001 (age 23) 9 1   Top Oss
4FW Jearl Margaritha (2000-04-10) 10 April 2000 (age 24) 10 4   Phoenix Rising

Recent call-ups

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The following players have been called up for the team in the last twelve months.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Tyrick Bodak (2002-05-15) 15 May 2002 (age 22) 4 0   Telstar v.   Aruba, 8 June 2024

DF Cherrion Valerius (2005-09-22) 22 September 2005 (age 19) 0 0   NAC Breda v.   Saint Martin, 9 September 2024 INJ
DF Justin Ogenia (1999-02-05) 5 February 1999 (age 25) 8 0   FC Eindhoven v.   Aruba, 8 June 2024
DF Cuco Martina (1989-09-25) 25 September 1989 (age 35) 65 1   NAC Breda v.   Aruba, 8 June 2024
DF Nathangelo Markelo (1999-01-07) 7 January 1999 (age 25) 11 0   Roda JC v.   Aruba, 8 June 2024

MF Jaron Vicario (1999-08-16) 16 August 1999 (age 25) 1 0   Triestina v.   Saint Martin, 9 September 2024
MF Rayvien Rosario (2004-04-11) 11 April 2004 (age 20) 2 0   Excelsior v.   Grenada, 14 October 2024 INJ
MF Nicky Souren (1999-12-18) 18 December 1999 (age 24) 1 0   Cambuur v.   Grenada, 14 October 2024
MF Vurnon Anita (1989-04-04) 4 April 1989 (age 35) 17 0   Al-Orobah v.   Aruba, 8 June 2024

FW Jürgen Locadia (1993-11-07) 7 November 1993 (age 31) 3 1   CF Intercity v.   Saint Martin, 9 September 2024 INJ
FW Rangelo Janga (1992-04-16) 16 April 1992 (age 32) 42 21   FC Eindhoven v.   Grenada, 14 October 2024 INJ

RET Player retired from the national team.
SUS Player is serving suspension.
INJ Player withdrew from the squad due to an injury.
PRE Preliminary squad.
WD Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.
Notes:

  • Caps do not include matches played for the former Netherlands Antilles, but solely appearances for the thereout subsequent country of Curaçao.

Player records

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As of 18 November 2024[14]
Players in bold are still active with Curaçao.

Most appearances

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Cuco Martina is Curaçao's most capped player with 65 appearances.
Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Cuco Martina 65 1 2011–present
2 Leandro Bacuna 57 15 2016–present
3 Eloy Room 56 0 2015–present
4 Gevaro Nepomuceno 52 8 2014–present
5 Juriën Gaari 45 1 2016–present
6 Rangelo Janga 42 21 2016–present
7 Elson Hooi 38 10 2015–present
Shanon Carmelia 38 2 2011–present
9 Juninho Bacuna 35 11 2019-present
Darryl Lachman 35 1 2015–2024

Top goalscorers

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Rangelo Janga is Curaçao's top scorer with 21 goals.
Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Rangelo Janga 21 42 0.5 2016–present
2 Leandro Bacuna 15 57 0.27 2016–present
3 Juninho Bacuna 11 35 0.23 2019–present
4 Elson Hooi 10 38 0.26 2015–present
5 Felitciano Zschusschen 9 14 0.64 2015–2017
6 Gino van Kessel 8 26 0.31 2015–present
Gevaro Nepomuceno 8 52 0.15 2014–present
8 Rocky Siberie 6 6 1 2011
Jurensley Martina 6 8 0.75 2012–present
10 Mirco Colina 5 15 0.33 2011–2021
Gervane Kastaneer 5 17 0.23 2018–present

Competitive record

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All competitive matches played from 1921 to 1958 were contested as the Territory of Curaçao (comprising all six islands of the Netherlands Antilles). From 1958 to 2010 all matches were contested as the Netherlands Antilles, successor of the Territory of Curaçao, (still comprising six islands until 1986, when Aruba seceded). All competitive fixtures after 2010 were contested by Curaçao, which solely consists of the island nation itself. Under the newly formed governing body, Curaçao have so far only competed in 2014, 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, 2012 Caribbean Cup qualification, the 2014 and 2017 Caribbean Cup, the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the ABCS Tournament.

FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup Qualification
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D* L GF GA
as   Territory of Curaçao as   Territory of Curaçao
  1930 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
  1934 Did not enter Did not enter
  1938
  1950
  1954
  1958 Did not qualify 3 1 0 2 4 7
as   Netherlands Antilles as   Netherlands Antilles
  1962 Did not qualify 6 2 2 2 4 14
  1966 4 1 2 1 2 3
  1970 4 1 0 3 3 9
  1974 CONCACAF Championship
  1978
  1982
  1986
  1990
  1994 2 0 1 1 1 4
  1998 2 0 1 1 1 2
    2002 2 0 1 1 1 6
  2006 4 1 0 3 4 8
  2010 4 2 1 1 3 1
as   Curaçao as   Curaçao
  2014 Did not qualify 6 2 1 3 15 15
  2018 6 1 3 2 5 6
  2022 6 3 2 1 16 3
      2026 To be determined 2 2 0 0 6 1
      2030 To be determined
  2034
Total - 0/21 - - - - - - 51 16 14 21 65 79
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

CONCACAF Gold Cup

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CONCACAF Championship & Gold Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad Pld W D* L GF GA
as   Netherlands Antilles as   Netherlands Antilles
  1963 Third place 3rd 8 5 0 3 14 9 Squad 2 2 0 0 4 1
  1965 Fifth place 5th 5 0 2 3 4 16 Squad Qualified automatically
  1967 Did not qualify 4 0 2 2 4 6
  1969 Third place 3rd 5 2 1 2 9 12 Squad Qualified automatically
  1971 Did not enter Did not enter
  1973 Sixth place 6th 5 0 2 3 4 19 Squad Qualified automatically
  1977 Did not qualify 2 0 0 2 1 9
  1981 4 0 3 1 1 2
1985 2 0 1 1 0 4
1989 4 2 0 2 4 7
  1991 2 0 0 2 0 5
    1993 Did not enter Did not enter
  1996 Did not qualify 5 3 1 1 11 11
  1998 1 0 0 1 1 2
  2000 6 2 1 3 8 13
  2002 Did not enter Did not enter
    2003 Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 3 6
  2005 Withdrew Withdrew
  2007 Did not qualify 3 0 1 2 1 7
  2009 5 1 1 3 5 11
as   Curaçao as   Curaçao
  2011 Did not qualify 3 0 1 2 5 7
  2013 3 0 0 3 2 11
    2015 9 2 3 4 11 15
  2017 Group stage 11th 3 0 0 3 0 6 Squad 6 5 0 1 18 4
      2019 Quarter-finals 8th 4 1 1 2 2 3 Squad 4 3 0 1 22 2
  2021 Withdrew 4 1 2 1 3 3
    2023 Did not qualify 5 1 1 3 3 9
Total Third place 6/27 30 8 6 16 33 65 78 23 18 33 107 135
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

CONCACAF Nations League

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CONCACAF Nations League record
League Finals
Season Division Group Pld W D L GF GA P/R Finals Result Pld W D L GF GA Squad
2019–20 A D 4 1 2 1 3 3     2021 Did not qualify
2022–23 A C 4 1 0 3 2 8     2023
2023–24 A A 4 1 0 3 6 7     2024
2024–25 B B 6 4 1 1 15 4     2025
Total 18 7 3 8 26 22 Total 0 Titles
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

CFU Caribbean Cup

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CFU Championship & Caribbean Cup record Qualification record
Year Result Pld W D* L GF GA Squad Pld W D* L GF GA
as   Netherlands Antilles as   Netherlands Antilles
  1978 Did not qualify 4 1 1 2 1 5
  1979 Did not enter Did not enter
  1981
  1983 Did not qualify Result Unknown
  1985 Did not enter Did not enter
  1988
  1989 Group stage 2 0 2 0 2 2 - 4 3 0 1 21 4
  1990 Did not qualify 2 0 2 0 2 2
  1991 2 0 0 2 0 5
  1992 3 1 1 1 3 3
  1993 Did not enter Did not enter
  1994
    1995 Did not qualify 5 3 1 1 11 11
  1996 1 0 0 1 0 1
    1997 1 0 0 1 1 2
    1998 Group stage 3 0 0 3 2 9 - 3 2 1 0 6 4
  1999 Did not qualify 2 0 1 1 2 4
  2001 Did not enter Did not enter
  2005
  2007 Did not qualify 3 0 1 2 1 7
  2008 5 1 1 3 5 11
  2010 3 0 1 2 5 7
as   Curaçao as   Curaçao
  2014 Group stage 3 0 0 3 5 10 Squad 6 2 3 1 6 5
  2017 Champions 2 2 0 0 4 2 Squad 6 4 1 1 21 6
Total Champions 10 2 2 6 13 23 - 50 17 14 19 85 77
*Draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

ABCS Tournament

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ABCS Tournament
Year Result GP W D* L GS GA
  2010 Runners-up 2 1 1 0 5 2
  2011 Fourth place 2 0 0 2 1 5
  2012 Third place 2 1 0 1 11 5
  2013 Runners-up 2 1 0 1 3 3
  2015 Third place 2 1 1 0 4 1
  2021 Champions 2 2 0 0 8 1
  2022 Champions 2 0 2 0 4 4
Total Champions 14 6 4 4 36 21
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

All-time record against other nations

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As of 15 November 2024[15][16]

Curaçao (2011–present)

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The following matches were played as Curaçao (from 18 August 2011 until present)
Team Pld W D L
  Antigua and Barbuda 4 1 0 3
  Argentina 1 0 0 1
  Aruba 4 3 1 1
  Bahrain 1 0 0 1
  Barbados 2 1 0 1
  Bolivia 2 1 1 0
  Bonaire 3 2 1 0
  British Virgin Islands 1 1 0 0
  Canada 3 0 0 3
  Costa Rica 2 0 1 1
  Cuba 4 1 2 1
  Dominican Republic 3 1 0 2
  El Salvador 7 0 3 4
  French Guiana 2 0 1 1
  Grenada 4 3 1 0
  Guadeloupe 2 2 0 0
  Guatemala 1 0 1 0
  Guyana 2 1 0 1
  Haiti 4 1 2 1
  Honduras 2 1 0 1
  India 1 1 0 0
  Indonesia 2 0 0 2
  Jamaica 3 1 1 1
  Martinique 2 1 1 0
  Mexico 1 0 0 1
  Montserrat 2 1 1 0
  New Zealand 1 0 0 1
  Nicaragua 1 0 1 0
  Panama 2 0 1 1
  Puerto Rico 2 1 1 0
  Qatar 1 1 0 0
  Saint Kitts and Nevis 1 0 0 1
  Saint Lucia 3 1 0 2
  Saint Martin 2 2 0 0
  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 3 1 0 2
  Suriname 6 2 1 3
  Trinidad and Tobago 2 1 0 1
  U.S. Virgin Islands 4 4 0 0
  Vietnam 1 1 0 0
  United States 1 0 0 1
Total 95 37 19 39

Team records

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Wins

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Largest win
  • 10–0 vs   Grenada on 10 September 2018
Largest win at the CONCACAF Championship finals
Largest win at the Caribbean Cup finals
Largest win at the ABCS Tournament

Draws

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Highest scoring draw
Highest scoring draw at the Caribbean Cup finals
  • None
Highest scoring draw at the Pan American Games
  • None
Highest scoring draw at the ABCS Tournament

Defeats

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Largest defeat
  • 7–0 vs   Argentina on 28 March 2023, Friendly
Largest defeat at the CONCACAF Gold Cup
0–2 vs   Jamaica on 9 July 2017, 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup
Largest defeat at the Caribbean Cup finals
Largest defeat at the ABCS Tournament

Honours

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Major competitions

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Continental

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Regional

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Friendly

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* Trophies won as the Netherlands Antilles from 16 December 1946 to 18 August 2011.

  1. According to FIFA statutes, official major competition organized by CCCF for senior national teams. It was the predecessor confederation of CONCACAF and affiliated with FIFA as the governing football body in Central America and Caribbean from 1938 to 1961.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 24 October 2024.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
  3. ^ "Curazao pierde a su capitán para el juego ante la Selecta | elsalvador.com". Archived from the original on 14 July 2017.
  4. ^ Elsey, Brenda; Pugliese, Stanislao G., eds. (2017). Football and the Boundaries of History: Critical Studies in Soccer. Springer. p. 121. ISBN 9781349950065. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
  5. ^ Curaçao at FIFA official website
  6. ^ Curaçao Archived 9 March 2021 at the Wayback Machine at CONCACAF official website
  7. ^ Curaçao — List of Champions. Archived 3 February 2023 at the Wayback Machine. RSSSF.
  8. ^ a b c "Bilches moet Curaçao naar WK leiden". Curaçao Sport. 8 August 2011. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 8 November 2014.
  9. ^ "Soca Warriors Win Caribbean Cup Opener". Jamaica Gleamer. 12 November 2014. Archived from the original on 15 November 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2014.
  10. ^ "Internationals Curaçao dolblij met komst Kluivert". Metro Nieuws. 5 March 2015. Archived from the original on 13 September 2016. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  11. ^ "Remko Bicentini, Rihairo Meulens i Partido di Fogeo pa Selekshon di Futbol di Korsou". deporteawe.com. 24 August 2016. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 22 March 2017.
  12. ^ FOX Sports (21 August 2020). "Guus Hiddink nieuwe bondscoach Curaçao". foxsports.nl. Archived from the original on 24 August 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2020.
  13. ^ FUTBÒL KÒRSOU - FFK "Lista Definitivo". Instagram. Curacao Football News. {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  14. ^ "Curacao". National Football Teams. Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 3 August 2022.
  15. ^ "Curaçao Match history". Soccerway.com. 11 January 2012. Archived from the original on 10 November 2018. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  16. ^ "World Football Elo Ratings". www.eloratings.net. Archived from the original on 20 November 2018. Retrieved 10 November 2018.
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