TenCate and the Curaçao Football Federation drive Curaçao toward the 2026 World Cup

What was once a dream is now within reach: Curaçao is going all-in on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With a strategic partnership between TenCate and the Curaçao Football Federation (FFK), the island’s first-ever World Cup appearance is becoming a tangible goal.

The Blue Wave: far more than football

The journey to the World Cup has begun but The Blue Wave is about more than sport. It’s a bold, multi-year initiative to position Curaçao as a hub for talent, social progress, and national development. A movement built on energy, pride, and partnership — with real, lasting impact both on and off the pitch.

The Blue Wave is no longer just a dream, it’s a real opportunity,” says FFK President Gilbert Martina. “With the three host countries of CONCACAF already qualified, Curaçao has a historic chance to become the smallest island ever to reach the World Cup. This movement will fuel national pride, create economic opportunity, inspire our youth, and boost the development of football and unity across the Kingdom. Imagine Curaçao and the Netherlands both playing in 2026, a unique achievement with lasting significance.

Lasting impact begins with youth

At the heart of this collaboration is a commitment to long-term, youth-focused sports infrastructure. A major milestone was reached recently with the opening of the first FIFA-certified Pure PT pitch in the Ergilio Hato Stadium, a next-generation, non-infill field that sets a new standard for playability, sustainability, and low maintenance.

It started with a call from Gilbert Martina, asking if we could help build a new field in the national stadium,” says TenCate CEO Michael Vogel. “We immediately said yes. The result? A state-of-the-art Pure PT pitch where the national team won both of their first matches. For us, this goes far beyond technology. We’re proud to be part of something bigger — helping football grow on Curaçao and building something that truly matters.

From local field to global ambition

FFK, in close collaboration with FDDK and other local partners, is building a future where sport is a springboard for opportunity, connection, and national progress. The partnership with TenCate is a key accelerator in this journey — bringing global expertise and recognition to the island’s efforts. It would be incredible to see not just one, but two teams from the Kingdom play at the World Cup,” Martina adds. “A milestone like that would be a catalyst for sports development across the island.

Qualification is more realistic than ever

With international talent, an experienced coach, and a top-tier pitch, Curaçao’s chances of qualifying are stronger than ever. The team has already secured a place in the 2025 Gold Cup and earned promotion to the top tier of the CONCACAF Nations League.

Being part of this World Cup journey is a natural next step for us,” Vogel says. “Pure PT was built for elite performance and it’s amazing to see the difference this pitch is already making. Sport connects people, and we’re proud to play a small part in something so powerful.