WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao national team head coach Dick Advocaat has once again voiced his frustration on ESPN over players with Curaçaoan roots who are hesitant—or outright unwilling—to represent the island’s national football team. 

Since taking the helm earlier this year, Advocaat has reached out to a number of players eligible to play for Curaçao through their parents or grandparents. However, many have declined or failed to commit. “I still don’t understand why they hesitate or say no,” Advocaat said. “But they don’t explain it.” 

Among the eligible players are high-profile Dutch talents like Armando Obispo (PSV), Riechedly Bazoer (formerly of AZ, now with Konyaspor in Turkey), Sontje Hansen (NEC), and Justin Kluivert (Bournemouth). Some of them have chosen to hold out for a call-up to the Netherlands national team instead—a dream that recently materialized for Kluivert. 

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers underway, Advocaat had expected more enthusiasm from the diaspora players. “In Suriname, players seem much more eager to join the national team,” he remarked, highlighting the contrast with Curaçao's situation. 

Despite these challenges, the national team continues to perform strongly. Curaçao beat Saint Lucia 4-0 last Friday and is set to face Haiti this Tuesday in another crucial qualifying match. In September, October, and November, the team will compete in the final group stage of the qualifiers, hoping to secure a historic first-ever spot at the World Cup. 

For now, Advocaat remains focused on the squad that has committed—while leaving the door open for others to join before it's too late.