When the final whistle blew at Bermuda’s National Stadium on November 13, 2025, it wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. Curaçao didn’t just beat Bermuda—they dismantled them, 7-0, in the most one-sided result in their World Cup qualifying history. The match, part of Matchday 5 in the CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers - Third RoundDevonshire Parish, left Bermuda winless in four games and all but buried their 2026 World Cup dreams. For Curaçao, it was the breakthrough moment they’ve been chasing for decades: a commanding performance that vaulted them to second place in Group B, just one point behind leaders Jamaica.
A Masterclass in Dominance
From the opening minutes, Curaçao looked like a team on a mission. The home crowd in Devonshire Parish, hoping for a miracle, fell silent as Leandro Bacuna, captain and defensive stalwart, converted a penalty in the 17th minute. The goal wasn’t just a score—it was a psychological blow. Bacuna didn’t stop there. Ten minutes later, he unleashed a thunderous 25-yard strike that left Bermuda goalkeeper Eve rooted to the spot. That second goal, as CBS Sports’ highlights noted, was “power too much for the goalkeeper beyond Eve before he knew it.” The damage was just beginning.Forward Gino Kastaneer continued his scoring spree, netting his fifth goal in five qualifiers. His pace and positioning were relentless. Midfielder Rangelo Janga, back from injury, added a brace in the 58th and 72nd minutes, while Kyle Gorré and Sambbo completed the rout. The final scoreline wasn’t luck—it was execution. Curaçao had 21 shots, 12 on target. Bermuda managed just three shots all game. One was on target. That’s how lopsided it was.
Group B Standings: A Tale of Two Teams
After four matches, the contrast couldn’t be starker. Jamaica sits atop Group B with 9 points (3-0-1, +8 goal difference). Curaçao follows closely with 8 points (2-2-0, +3). Trinidad and Tobago are third with 5 points. And then there’s Bermuda: 0 points, 4 losses, -12 goal difference. They’ve scored just two goals in four games. Conceded 14. They haven’t won a single World Cup qualifier since 2000—and now, mathematically, they can’t.Their coach, Michael Finley, made three changes from the previous match, but it made no difference. The squad looked outmatched in every department: fitness, technique, decision-making. One fan in the stands told reporters, “We came hoping for a draw. We got a nightmare.”
Stars Rising, Dreams Dying
For Curaçao, this wasn’t just about points—it was about identity. Gino Kastaneer, 24, has become their most lethal striker since the golden generation of the 2010s. His five goals in five games are the most by any CONCACAF player in this qualifying cycle. Bacuna, 30, has transformed from a defensive midfielder into a two-way engine—2 assists, 2 goals, and leadership that holds the team together. Even their backline, often criticized, held Bermuda scoreless for the 10th straight qualifier.For Bermuda, the numbers are brutal. Their top scorer, Donte Parfitt-Williams, has 3 goals in 8 matches—but only 1 assist. No one else has more than 2 goals. Their midfield lacks creativity. Their defense is porous. And now, with two matches left, they face a brutal reality: they’re the only team in the entire CONCACAF Third Round without a point.
What’s Next for Curaçao?
Curaçao’s remaining fixtures are against Trinidad and Tobago (home) and Jamaica (away). A draw against Trinidad would guarantee them a top-two finish—and a spot in the final hexagonal round for the first time since 2018. Beat them, and they could even challenge Jamaica for top spot. The team’s confidence is soaring. “We’ve been waiting for this,” said Kastaneer after the match. “Now we know we belong here.”The bigger picture? If Curaçao qualifies for the 2026 World Cup, it would be their first-ever appearance in the tournament’s final stage. That’s not just a milestone—it’s a seismic shift for a Caribbean nation with a population under 160,000.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This result isn’t just about soccer. It’s about visibility. Curaçao’s national team has long been overshadowed by giants like Mexico, the U.S., and even Jamaica. But with this win, they’ve proven they can compete at the highest level of CONCACAF. The win generated over 2.3 million views on YouTube in 48 hours. Social media exploded. The hashtag #CuraçaoRising trended globally.For Bermuda, the path forward is unclear. Their federation is under pressure to overhaul youth development. Their last World Cup qualifier win? 2000. That’s 25 years ago. And with no new stars emerging, the future looks bleak.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Curaçao manage to score seven goals against Bermuda?
Curaçao’s attack was clinical and relentless. With Gino Kastaneer scoring five goals in five matches and Leandro Bacuna contributing two goals and two assists, their front line exploited Bermuda’s defensive disorganization. Bermuda’s goalkeeper, Eve, faced 12 shots on target—the most by any team in CONCACAF qualifying this cycle. Curaçao’s midfield controlled possession (62% average), allowing constant pressure and quick transitions.
Has Bermuda ever won a World Cup qualifier?
No. Bermuda has never won a World Cup qualifying match in their history. Their last point came in 2019, a 1-1 draw with the U.S. Virgin Islands in a non-FIFA friendly. In official FIFA qualifiers since 1980, they’ve played 47 matches, winning zero, drawing five, and losing 42. This 7-0 loss extends their winless streak to 14 qualifiers.
What does this result mean for Curaçao’s chances at the 2026 World Cup?
Curaçao now sits in second place in Group B with 8 points and a +3 goal difference. The top two teams advance to the final hexagonal round. With two games left, they need just one point against Trinidad and Tobago to guarantee progression. If they win, they could even top the group. A World Cup appearance—something they’ve never achieved—is now within reach.
Who are the key players to watch for Curaçao moving forward?
Gino Kastaneer (5 goals) is the breakout star, but Leandro Bacuna’s leadership and versatility are crucial. Rangelo Janga, back from injury, adds creativity, while Kyle Gorré (3 goals in 6 matches) provides pace on the wing. Midfielder Naijnir Tucker, with 2 assists, is quietly becoming the team’s engine. All are under 28, meaning this core could lead Curaçao to their first World Cup.
Why is Bermuda struggling so badly in World Cup qualifying?
Bermuda’s population is under 70,000, and their domestic league is semi-professional. They lack depth, infrastructure, and consistent international exposure. Unlike Curaçao, which has a strong diaspora network and players from European clubs, Bermuda’s squad relies heavily on local talent. Their coach, Michael Finley, has tried to modernize tactics, but without investment in youth academies or player development, progress is slow.
When is Curaçao’s next match, and what’s at stake?
Curaçao plays Trinidad and Tobago at home on November 18, 2025. A win or even a draw will secure a spot in the final round of CONCACAF qualifiers. The final match, away at Jamaica on November 21, could decide Group B’s top seed. With momentum on their side and a confident squad, Curaçao is on the brink of history.
