When the final whistle blew at the Hamilton National Stadium on November 14, 2025, Bermuda’s World Cup dreams had all but vanished. The Bermuda national football team was dismantled 7-0 by Curacao, a result that extended their winless streak in CONCACAF World Cup QualifiersHamilton to four straight losses — and still without a single point. It wasn’t just a loss. It was a statement. Curacao didn’t just win; they exposed the gulf between a team with rising momentum and one struggling to stay competitive.
Seven Goals, Zero Answers
Curacao’s attack was clinical from the start. Leandro Bacuna opened the scoring with a penalty in the 7th minute, and by halftime, the score was already 3-0. Juninho Bacuna added a second just before the break, assisted by his brother. The second half was a formality. Jordi Paulina struck twice, S. Hansen and ArJany Martha each found the net, and Roshon van Eijma sealed it with a late goal in stoppage time. Seven goals. Zero responses from Bermuda.
It wasn’t just the scoreline. It was the silence. Bermuda’s forwards — D. Parfitt-Williams, Z. Lewis, and R. Thompson-Lambe — combined for 7 goals this cycle, yet none of them managed a single shot on target in this match. Their goalkeeper, often referred to in reports as "Eve," was pulled into action early, but even that was more about damage control than strategy. The team looked lost, disorganized, and physically outmatched. The only bright spot? A penalty awarded to Curacao in the 4th minute after a foul by K. Gorré — a moment that set the tone for everything that followed.
Where Bermuda Stands Now
Before kickoff, Bermuda sat at 0-0-4 in Group C, with a goal difference of -12. After this result, it’s -19. They’ve played four matches. Scored zero goals. Lost by an average of 4.75 goals per game. They’ve never won a World Cup qualifier in this cycle. Not one. Not even a draw. And with only two matches left in the group stage, their chances of advancing are mathematically impossible. Bermuda Football Association has invested in youth academies, hired foreign coaches, and even tried to recruit dual-national players — yet none of it has translated to results on the pitch.
Compare that to Curacao. At 2-2-0, they’ve got 8 points — sitting just behind Jamaica (9 points) and ahead of Trinidad and Tobago (5 points). They’ve scored 10 goals and conceded only 7. Their midfield, led by the Bacuna brothers, controls tempo. Their forwards finish. They’re not just competing — they’re threatening to top the group. This wasn’t a fluke win. It was the next step in a steady rise.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
For Bermuda, this isn’t just about missing the World Cup. It’s about identity. Football is the island’s most popular sport. Kids grow up dreaming of wearing the green jersey. But when your national team loses by seven goals at home — in front of a sparse crowd, under the lights of a stadium that’s seen better days — what message does that send?
Curacao, meanwhile, represents something different: resilience. A small island nation with a population under 160,000, they’ve built a team through diaspora talent, Dutch youth systems, and smart recruitment. Players like Leandro Bacuna (who plays in the Netherlands) and Jordi Paulina (a product of the Dutch academy system) aren’t anomalies — they’re the blueprint. Bermuda has the resources. They just haven’t built the system.
What’s Next?
Curacao’s next match is against Trinidad and Tobago on November 18, 2025 — a game they’ll be favored to win. A victory would all but guarantee them a spot in the next round of World Cup qualifying. Bermuda, meanwhile, faces Jamaica on November 19. The odds? Over 10-1 against. The reality? They’ll need a miracle.
There’s talk in Hamilton about a full review of the Bermuda Football Association’s structure. A new coach? A new recruitment strategy? A complete overhaul of youth development? Maybe. But time is running out. And if they don’t act now, the next generation might not even bother trying.
Historical Context: A Pattern, Not an Accident
This isn’t Bermuda’s first 7-0 loss. In 2019, they lost 7-0 to Mexico in a World Cup qualifier. In 2015, they were crushed 8-0 by the United States. And in September 2025, they lost 3-2 to Curacao — a game that felt like a moral victory at the time. Now, that loss looks like a prelude.
Curacao, on the other hand, has improved steadily. In 2018, they lost 5-0 to the U.S. In 2021, they drew with Panama. Now, they’re beating teams like Bermuda by seven goals. The gap isn’t closing — it’s widening. And Bermuda is on the wrong side of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bermuda lose by such a large margin?
Bermuda’s squad lacks depth, international experience, and tactical cohesion. Most players are semi-professional, balancing football with full-time jobs. Curacao, by contrast, fields players from top European leagues, including the Eredivisie and Bundesliga. The physical, technical, and tactical gap was evident from the first minute.
Can Bermuda still qualify for the 2026 World Cup?
No. With four losses and zero points, Bermuda is mathematically eliminated. Even if they won their final two matches, they couldn’t catch Jamaica, Curacao, or even Trinidad and Tobago. Their goal difference of -19 makes any comeback impossible.
Who are the Bacuna brothers, and why are they so important to Curacao?
Leandro and Juninho Bacuna are Dutch-born players of Curacaoan descent who represent Curacao internationally. Leandro, a seasoned midfielder, scored the opening penalty and assisted Juninho’s goal. Juninho, a dynamic attacking midfielder, has become the team’s creative engine. Their connection is the backbone of Curacao’s attack and a key reason they’re now among CONCACAF’s strongest teams.
How does Curacao manage to compete despite its small population?
Curacao leverages its diaspora, recruiting players with Dutch, Surinamese, and Caribbean roots who are eligible through ancestry. They’ve built strong ties with Dutch academies and prioritize tactical discipline over raw athleticism. Their federation invests heavily in analytics and player development, turning limited resources into high-performing results.
What’s the long-term impact of this loss on Bermuda football?
This result could accelerate a crisis of confidence. Fewer kids may want to play if they see the national team consistently humiliated. Sponsorship and funding may dry up. Without a major structural overhaul — including professional leagues, youth academies, and better coaching — Bermuda risks becoming a football backwater in the region.
Where can fans watch highlights of the match?
Full highlights are available on CONCACAF’s official YouTube channel and through CBS Sports Golazo America. The match was also streamed live across multiple platforms, including DAZN and ESPN+, with commentary focused on Curacao’s tactical dominance and Bermuda’s struggles to build sustained pressure.