Advocaat Makes a Surprise Return to Coach Curaçao

The Curaçao national team is preparing for the return of the veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat to lead the team just a few weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup, following a period of turmoil within the team.

The 78-year-old coach had left his position last February due to his daughter's health conditions, but he decided to reverse his decision and return at a very critical time.

According to Dutch reports, coach Fred Rutten's resignation came after tension within the coaching staff and dissatisfaction with the conditions during the last camp in Australia, where the preparations were described as "less than ideal." The reports also indicated the possibility of extensive changes within the technical and administrative staff upon the return of Advocaat and his long-time assistant Cor Pot.

The Curaçao national team is the smallest country to qualify for the World Cup, with a population of no more than 150,000 people, after achieving a historic feat under the leadership of Advocaat. The team will play in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast, with their opening match against Germany in Houston in just 33 days.

The Curaçao Football Association confirmed in its statement that Rutten preferred to leave to maintain "stability and healthy professional relationships" within the team. Meanwhile, reports mentioned that the improvement in Advocaat's daughter's health, along with the support from players and management for his return, contributed to the decision to come back before the tournament began.