From Curaçao, With Love.
Ahead of the World Cup, Sports Illustrated had the privilege to travel to Curaçao. What we witnessed was truly beautiful.
Before departing for the tournament, Curaçao hosted neighbours Aruba in a farewell match - a chance for the island to say goodbye to their heroes.
From the moment you land, the pride is impossible not to feel. There is a sense of calmness, warmth and positivity that runs through the island. Surrounded by turquoise seas and colourful streets, football remains at the heart of Curaçao, and World Cup qualification has brought a feeling unlike anything many have experienced before.
Even the details reflect the island itself. Together with @adidasfootball, Curaçao's away shirt draws inspiration from Willemstad's iconic waterfront, with colours that mirror the buildings lining the harbour. The pink, teal and orange stripes also represent the values found within the national anthem. Love, liberty and understanding.
Conversations with head-coach Dick Advocaat, players and brothers Leandro and Juninho Bacuna, and beloved kit manager Sherwin Martina (Tio) shone a light on the pride of representing the Blue Wave, what it means to the people of the island, and the unique bond between the team and the community. Fans also shared personal stories and emotions, offering a first-hand perspective on what Curaçao embodies.
Matchday provided an insight into the way football and culture intertwine across the island. From old-school bus arrivals and national anthem emotion to local World Cup songs and island-wide celebrations, Curaçao's identity remains deeply rooted in everything it does.
As the Blue Wave prepares to make history, here’s what we captured through our lens.
