Minister sees sport unites on World Cup football

Minister Mirjam Sterk (Langdurige Zorg, Jeugd en Sport) has seen with her own eyes how sport unites on the World Cup. "In these difficult times, sport provides a soft diplomacy", said Sterk in Kansas City to the ANP where she attended the match of Curaçao against Ecuador with the royal couple and Princess Ariane.

What happened?

Sterk attended the match of the Netherlands against Sweden in Houston on Friday. Then the group traveled with the government plane to Kansas City. "It was a big party for Oranje", Sterk told at the entrance of the Kansas City Stadium. "It started already at the fanwalk. People came from all sides in the orange. Oranje played very well. Although it was sometimes a bit exciting. After the match, I went with the royal couple and the princess to the locker room. The trust was great there." According to Sterk, the 5-1 win of Oranje can bring something extra. "I think we have taken a step forward with this match", said Sterk.

Why it matters for Curaçao

Sterk had, like the king, the queen and the princess, in Kansas City, the shirt of Oranje exchanged for the national jersey of Curaçao. With pride, Sterk wore her name on her back. "It's great to see where a small island can be great. After the baseball players, the football players of Curaçao have now become role models. I have already spoken with the Minister of Sport of Curaçao to work together more. And to improve the infrastructure for the sport." The Dutch minister found it a privilege to see two teams from the Dutch kingdom on one day. "That's unique", said Sterk, who told that the king was invited by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The king sat next to Infantino during the Netherlands - Sweden match.

What comes next?

The Dutch minister found it a privilege to see two teams from the Dutch kingdom on one day. "That's unique", said Sterk, who told that the king was invited by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Sterk stated that she did not see the American President Donald Trump. "If he was there, we would have known it", said the minister, who flew back home with the king, queen and princess after the surprising 0-0 draw between Curaçao and Ecuador. Last result: Curaçao 0-2 Ivory Coast (2026-06-25). Recent form (last 5): 1W-2D-2L (LDDLW, most recent first).