WILLEMSTAD – Dick Advocaat is returning as head coach of the Curaçao national football team for this summer’s 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Federashon Futbòl Kòrsou (FFK) confirmed during a press conference on Tuesday.
The 78-year-old coach had stepped away from the national team at the end of February because of the health situation involving his daughter. His return follows several days of turmoil surrounding the team and growing calls within the squad to bring him back before the World Cup.
Main sponsor Corendon also publicly supported Advocaat’s return, while the football federation had initially continued backing coach Fred Rutten, who took over after Advocaat’s departure earlier this year.
Rutten resigned with immediate effect on Monday.
In a statement, Rutten said he wanted to avoid a situation that could damage professional relationships within the squad and technical staff.
Advocaat’s return carries major symbolic significance for Curaçao football.
Under his leadership, Curaçao qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in the country’s history. Although Advocaat missed the decisive qualifying match against Jamaica national football team because of his family situation, Curaçao still secured enough points to finish as group winner.
The period under Rutten proved more difficult.
Curaçao lost recent friendly matches against China national football team and Australia national football team, while multiple reports suggested dissatisfaction had emerged inside the squad regarding the technical staff’s approach.
Corendon stated Tuesday that it supports the federation’s decision but denied having influenced Rutten’s departure.
Earlier, former press chief Kees Jansma had publicly suggested that sponsor pressure played a role in the developments surrounding the coaching situation.
Advocaat will now become the oldest head coach ever to lead a national team at a FIFA World Cup.
Curaçao will compete in Group E against Germany national football team, Ivory Coast national football team, and Ecuador national football team.
Germany will be Curaçao’s first opponent on June 14.