Curaçao is making history — this is the island’s first ever World Cup appearance. With a population of only ~150,000, Curaçao is the smallest nation in the 2026 tournament. TeleCuraçao airs every match free. Flow Sports Caribbean and NOS (Dutch broadcaster) provide additional coverage. The schedule is great: all three group matches are afternoon kickoffs in local time, perfect for island-wide celebrations.
Where to Watch: Free and Paid
- TeleCuraçao — Free, local broadcaster. All Curaçao matches plus selected additional fixtures
- Flow Sports Caribbean — Paid cable/streaming. Expanded World Cup coverage across the Caribbean
- NOS — Dutch public broadcaster. Coverage may be accessible via Dutch Caribbean connections
- SportsMax Caribbean — Paid cable. Caribbean sports network with World Cup matches
When to Watch: Kickoff Times in Curaçao
Curaçao uses AST (UTC-4) year-round with no daylight saving — identical to US Eastern (EDT, UTC-4) in June. No conversion needed.
| US Kickoff (ET) | Local Time (AST) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM ET | 11:00 AM AST | Late morning |
| 2:00 PM ET | 2:00 PM AST | Afternoon |
| 5:00 PM ET | 5:00 PM AST | Late afternoon |
| 8:00 PM ET | 8:00 PM AST | Evening |
Group E Schedule (local time):
| Match | Date / Local Time | City |
|---|---|---|
| Curaçao vs Germany | June 14, 1:00 PM AST | Houston |
| Curaçao vs Ecuador | June 20, 8:00 PM AST | Kansas City |
| Curaçao vs Côte d’Ivoire | June 25, 4:00 PM AST | Philadelphia |
Must-Watch Matches
- Final — July 19, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford. 3:00 PM AST
- Semifinals — July 14–15. Evening kickoffs in AST
- Curaçao vs Germany — June 14, Houston. 1:00 PM AST. The opening match — tiny Curaçao faces four-time world champions Germany in their first ever World Cup game. An entire island will stand still
FAQ
Is this really Curaçao’s first World Cup? Yes. Curaçao (population ~150,000) has never qualified before. They are the smallest nation in the 2026 tournament — this is truly historic.
Are Curaçao’s World Cup matches free to watch? Yes. TeleCuraçao broadcasts all Curaçao matches free as the local free-to-air channel.
What time do Curaçao’s matches kick off in local time? Between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM AST — all afternoon matches. Perfect for gathering with friends and family.