London, June 16 -- Guinness World Records has officially recognised Curacao as the smallest country by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone for the island nation.

The recognition highlights Curacao's remarkable football achievement, as the island nation with a population of just 1,56,115 has secured its place on the world's biggest football stage.

"We were delighted to present Gilbert Martina, the President of the Curacao Football Federation, the certificate for the smallest country by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup - 156,115 people," Guinness World Records wrote in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Curacao manager Dick Advocaat encouraged his side, saying that "they need to turn this into a be...