AMSTERDAM - Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat believes the island’s national team will be a formidable opponent at the 2026 World Cup. Speaking on the Dutch football program Goedemorgen Eredivisie, Advocaat said Curaçao is “a very difficult team to play against” and warned that his squad will not hand out any favors on the world stage.
The 77-year-old coach praised the team’s mentality and defensive resilience.
“Curaçao is an annoying team to face,” Advocaat said. “We have a fighting spirit and the ability to put even top teams under pressure. With organization, discipline, and determination, we can compete with stronger nations.”
Personal Update: Wife Recovering Well
Advocaat also addressed his recent temporary departure from the national team. He returned to the Netherlands due to his wife’s health problems, causing him to miss Curaçao’s historic qualification match.
He now calls his early return “premature,” but made clear that family comes first.
Looking Ahead to the Draw
Curaçao is now preparing for the World Cup draw on December 5, where it will be placed in Pot 4 and guaranteed to face strong opposition. Yet Advocaat remains confident that the team’s intensity and unity will make Curaçao a challenging opponent for anyone.
The island’s anticipation continues to build as the national team prepares for its first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage.