Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong discovers World Cup fate as Curaçao decision made
Tahith Chong will get the chance to make his mark at the World Cup after being named in the Curaçao squad.
Sheffield United winger Tahith Chong has been named in Curaçao’s 26-man squad for this summer’s World Cup.
The tiny Caribbean island qualified for their very first World Cup last November, marking a historic moment for the nation, which has a land area of just 171 square miles, making it smaller than the Isle of Man.
Chong, who joined the Blades from Luton Town last August, switched his international allegiance to Curaçao last summer after previously representing the Netherlands at youth level. He made his Curaçao debut last September, coming off the bench in a 0-0 draw with Trinidad & Tobago.
The winger, who has two goals in four appearances for his country, will now get the opportunity to turn out at a major tournament for the very first time after being included in head coach Dick Advocaat’s squad. The 78-year-old was reinstated as Curaçao boss last week after leaving the role as recently as February due his daughter’s health.
However, he has made a surprise return to the dugout after his successor, Fred Rutten, resigned. His daughter’s health is also reported to have improved.
Curaçao, who will become the smallest nation to ever compete at a World Cup, will get their tournament under way against Germany on June 14. Competing in Group E, they will also take on Ecuador and the Ivory Coast.
Chong has been joined in the squad by two names who are familiar to English football: Leandro and Juninho Bacuna. The former spent time with Aston Villa, Reading Cardiff City and Watford while the latter had stints with Huddersfield Town and Birmingham City.
Chong, formerly of Manchester United, made 22 appearances for the Blades this season in league and cup, but often struggled to convince United supporters, meaning he will be determined to make his mark on the world’s biggest stage.
Curaçao will play two friendlies ahead of their World Cup opener in just under four weeks time, facing Scotland on May 30 and Aruba on June 7. The tournament begins on June 11.
It is the second World Cup in a row that United will be represented on the global stage after Adam Davies was named in Wales’ squad and Iliman Ndiaye featured in three of Senegal’s four matches in Qatar in 2022.