Dick Advocaat has stepped down as coach of the Curacao national football team less than four months before their historic debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 78-year-old cited family reasons, specifically caring for his ill daughter, as the cause for his departure. He will be replaced by Fred Rutten, who takes over a team that qualified as the smallest nation ever to reach the finals.
Dick Advocaat, whose coaching career includes stints with the Netherlands and South Korea at previous World Cups, led Curacao to qualification for the 2026 tournament through an unbeaten campaign. The Caribbean nation, with a population of around 185,000, secured their spot with a 0-0 draw against Jamaica in November, marking them as the smallest country to ever reach the finals.
In a statement, Advocaat explained his decision: “I’ve always said family is above football. This is therefore a natural decision. That said, I will greatly miss Curacao, its people, and my colleagues. I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of my players, staff and board members who believed in us.” Had he stayed, Advocaat would have become the oldest coach in World Cup history at 78.
Curaçao Football Federation president Gilbert Martina paid tribute: “His decision commands nothing but respect. Dick has made history with our national team. Curacao will always remain grateful to him.”
Advocaat's successor, 63-year-old Fred Rutten, brings experience from managing clubs like PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord, Twente, Schalke, and Anderlecht. Rutten, entering international management for the first time, said: “It is a difficult time for Dick and I wish him and his family strength. Dick is an icon in world football. It is truly an honour to continue his work. I have spoken extensively with him and his staff and will continue along the same path. Curacao can expect the same dedication and commitment from me.”
Curacao face a challenging Group E at the expanded 48-team tournament, starting with Germany on June 14 at NRG Stadium in Houston, followed by Ecuador on June 20 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and Ivory Coast on June 25 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. They are expected to be underdogs and likely exit in the group stage.
To prepare under Rutten, Curacao have friendlies scheduled: against China on March 27 in Sydney, Australia on March 31 in Melbourne, and Scotland on May 30 at Hampden Park.
