The 2026 World Cup is witnessing many surprises regarding the participating teams, most notably the Curaçao team, which entered the tournament at an unprecedented historical moment.
Curaçao succeeded in securing its spot for the first time in its history, becoming the smallest country by population to reach the World Cup, before the team scored its first goal in the tournament and also achieved its first positive draw.
"Yalla Kora" presents to its followers a series of interviews over 39 days during the most important event in football, the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Here will be the interview with Giovanni Franken, the assistant coach of the Curaçao team, who spoke about the great achievement he accomplished with his national team in that tournament, confirming that this did not come overnight but was the result of hard work for decades.
The details of Yalla Kora's interview with Franken were as follows:
How do you describe your feelings after helping Curaçao qualify for the World Cup for the first time in its history?
"It was very emotional because I was an international player for Curaçao when this project started in 2002. Seeing a dream that began more than two decades ago come true was a very special moment. It wasn't just about qualifying for the World Cup, but it was proof that any small footballing nation can achieve a historic feat if it has a clear vision, patience, and commitment."
From the start of the qualifiers, did you really believe that reaching the World Cup was a realistic goal?
"When we learned that the United States, Mexico, and Canada would not participate in the qualifying process, we realized that an opportunity had presented itself to us. We did not underestimate the challenge, but we believed that good organization, preparation, and teamwork could narrow the gap. This belief was the main driving force for the team and ultimately helped us make history."
The draw with Ecuador gave Curaçao its first point in the World Cup. What does this achievement mean to you and the team?
"Qualifying for the World Cup was already historic, but once we arrived, we wanted to compete, not just participate. Before the tournament, we set three goals: to score the first goal in the World Cup, to earn the first point, and, if possible, to win a match. Achieving two of these three goals against strong teams made us very proud and proved that good preparation and belief make a difference."
What tactical approach did you use to neutralize Ecuador's strengths?
"Ecuador has outstanding attacking players who constantly switch positions, so we had to be defensively flexible. We changed the formation and some defensive principles compared to the match against Germany."
"The players executed the plan with great discipline, which limited their threat. The goalkeeper's performance was outstanding, but it was the collective organization that gave him the chance to shine."
What was the toughest technical or tactical decision the coaching staff faced during the qualifiers or in the World Cup?
"In the World Cup, every decision is important, whether tactical, physical, or psychological. It's hard to pinpoint one decision because success depends on consistently making the right decisions to serve the team. Football at this level requires constant evaluation, flexibility, and coordination within the coaching staff."
How did you succeed in building a strong team spirit despite the different backgrounds and clubs of the players?
"We knew we represented one of the smallest countries in the tournament, against teams with greater capabilities and experience. Our strength had to be in mentality and unity. We invested a lot in building a culture based on trust, responsibility, and cohesion. When players commit to a common goal, they can perform beyond expectations."
Looking at this amazing journey, what moment will stay with you forever?
"Seeing Curaçao represented on the biggest football stage in the world is something I will never forget. More importantly, we inspired people in our country and proved that discipline, perseverance, and teamwork can turn big dreams into reality."
How do you think this historic achievement will affect the future of football in Curaçao?
"This success is the result of a long-term project that started in 2002, not a momentary achievement. The World Cup experience provides important lessons for everyone, and it raises the standards for youth development, the local league, and the football federation."
"Most importantly, it gives the next generation a practical example that Curaçao can compete at the highest level if investment in development continues with patience and vision."
