MIAMI: Dr Suzanne Hormann of Curacao is making history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the only chief medical officer among the 48 participating teams and just the third woman to hold the role in the tournament’s 96-year history.
The 36-year-old physician, who was born in Brazil, previously worked with top European clubs including Real Madrid, PSV Eindhoven and Go Ahead Eagles. She has also served with the Netherlands’ under-16 national team and the Dutch women’s handball team.
Hormann said working in a male-dominated environment is nothing new to her. She said that once people recognize competence and professionalism, acceptance becomes easier.
She is the only woman in Curacao’s 49-member delegation at the tournament.
Another milestone was reached during Curacao’s match against Germany, when, for the first time in men’s World Cup history, the entire external medical team assigned to the game was made up of women.
Curacao, a Caribbean island with a population of about 158,000, qualified for the World Cup without losing a match.
Although the team suffered a 7-1 defeat to Germany in its opening game, a scoreless draw against Ecuador kept its hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
More read, Salah inspires Egypt to historic first World Cup victory
Earlier, Mohamed Salah produced a brilliant match-winning performance as Egypt overturned a first-half deficit to defeat New Zealand 3-1, securing their first-ever World Cup victory and climbing to the top of Group G in style.
Egypt endured a slow start and trailed at halftime after Finn Surman capitalized on a corner to put New Zealand ahead with a well-placed header, exposing early defensive lapses from the African side.
However, the second half saw a completely transformed Egyptian team, driven by intensity, precision, and the leadership of their talismanic forward.
Mostafa Zico brought Egypt level in the 58th minute, heading home a precise cross from Mohamed Hany to spark the comeback.
