Making their World Cup debut, Curaçao endured a difficult start to their Group E campaign with a 7-1 defeat to Germany. However, the result has done little to dampen the sense of pride surrounding the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, with a population of approximately 1,56,000.

Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat believes his team’s presence at the FIFA World Cup 2026 is already a victory in itself, as the Caribbean nation continues to celebrate a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to football’s biggest stage.

While Ecuador enter Saturday’s match seeking their first points after a 1-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast, Advocaat remains realistic about the challenge facing his side.

(With inputs from ANI)

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