On Sunday, June 14, Bonaire was largely focused on Curaçao. The participation of the Curaçao national soccer team in the 2026 World Cup created a special vibe on the island. From churches to restaurants and bars, the match against Germany was alive everywhere.
Early on, it was noticeable that not only Curaçao, but also Bonaire was fully sharing in the excitement. The local government wished the team success, and Tourism Corporation Bonaire released an inspiring promotional video with the message: “A dream becomes reality.”Attention was also paid to the historic performance of Curaçao during Sunday services in various churches. Some church communities even organized group viewing events afterward, so that members could follow the match together.
Blue and orange
After the kickoff, the scene on the streets visibly changed. The roads were remarkably quiet, while bars, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses had set up large screens for their visitors. In many places, Bonaire turned blue and orange.
The match brought everything that makes soccer so special: excitement, hope, emotion, and pride. Every single attack by Curaçao caused applause, cheering, or breath holding among most of the fans who followed the match.
Feeling of pride
Although Curaçao did not manage to win in the end, a feeling of pride mostly predominated. Especially among the large Curaçao community on Bonaire, it was clearly felt how special this moment was. For the first time, a team from the region stood on the biggest soccer stage in the world.
One thing became completely clear: sports have the power to connect people. For a moment, differences disappeared into the background, and everything was focused on one shared dream.
