Curaçao midfielder Felida: no minutes at 2026 World Cup, but still a great adventure

Kevin Felida did not see a single minute of action for Curaçao at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, yet he looks back on the tournament with pride. The 26-year-old midfielder from ADO Den Haag traveled to the biggest football event in the world last month, but remained an unused substitute throughout. Still, he returned home with an unforgettable souvenir: the shirt of Jamal Musiala.

Last result: Curaçao lost 0-2 to Ivory Coast on June 25, 2026 in the group stage of the World Cup. The team now sits in fifth place in the standings after five matches, with a recent form of 1W-2D-2L (LDDLW, most recent first).

What exactly happened?

Felida, who normally plays for ADO Den Haag in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, joined the Curaçao squad for the World Cup under head coach Remko Bicentini. The expectation was to advance past the group stage, but the team fell short. Despite his experience and hard work in preparation, the midfielder was not given any playing time by Bicentini.

Yet Felida remains upbeat. He stresses that the World Cup was a unique experience, even if he did not step onto the pitch. ‘I’m just a professional too’, Felida told Voetbalprimeur. For him, the atmosphere, teamwork and chance to train alongside the world’s best players mattered most.

Why does this matter for Curaçao?

For a small island like Curaçao, every World Cup appearance is historic. The 2026 World Cup was the first time the team qualified directly for the tournament, making the trip special regardless of results.

Felida’s story shows the World Cup is about more than minutes played. It’s about gaining experience, building connections and growing as a player. For athletes from the region, such a tournament is a chance to stand out to European clubs. ADO Den Haag, where Felida is under contract, could certainly benefit from his exposure.

For the federation, the World Cup is a stepping stone. Curaçao currently competes in the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup, but a World Cup appearance puts the team on the map. Bicentini can now review what worked and what didn’t, shaping his squad choices for future matches.

What’s next?

Felida returns to ADO Den Haag, where he aims to reclaim his starting spot. The Hague-based club plays next season in the Keuken Kampioen Divisie, where Felida can play a key role. His World Cup experience may help him make an even bigger impact in Dutch football.

For Curaçao, the focus shifts to the CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup qualifiers. The team must prove itself in the region, but the World Cup run has boosted confidence for the future. Bicentini now has a clear view of where the squad stands and can develop his players further.

The question remains whether Felida will be back in the Curaçao squad next year. His experience and attitude make him a valuable asset, even if he doesn’t always play. For now, he savors the adventure and lessons learned at the 2026 World Cup.