‘We’re the smallest to qualify’: Curaçao fans arrive in Kansas City for World Cup match

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Curaçao fans arrived Thursday around noon at Kansas City International Airport ahead of their team’s World Cup match against Ecuador.

“We are here and we are excited. We’re ready to cheer for our country. We will win this time,” Clayna Stella said.

Yanne Vlijtig said fans are proud of their team and happy to be in Kansas City.

“It feels crazy. I never dreamed we could see so much blue and yellow and represent our flag,” Danick Trouwloon said.

Fans say their island may be small, but they bring energy and support for their team.

“We are from Curaçao and we have to support our island. This was a surprise from my wife,” Ronny Lobo said. Lobo attended with his sons Renzo and Xavio. His son said he is excited to see American baseball.

Cherriem Zimmerman said Curaçao is a beautiful island with beautiful people and beautiful food.

“We are the country with the most people playing in baseball in the major league baseball per capita,” Charlene Alberto said.

“We’re the smallest to qualify for the World Cup,” Trouwloon said.

Most fans said they had not been to Kansas before but were excited to try local food.

“This is my first time here. I’m so happy to be here to support our blue wave team,” Carine Mmerman said.

“We hear the BBQ here is exquisite, so we come for the BBQ,” Zimmerman said.

“We hear it’s as warm as the Caribbean so we’re excited about that,” Trouwloon said.

Ecuador and Curaçao will meet in a FIFA World Cup Group J game at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, June 20 at 7 p.m.