WILLEMSTAD – ESPN commentator Vincent Schildkamp will serve as the new press officer of the Curaçao national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Schildkamp succeeds Kees Jansma, who stepped down following the departure of former Curaçao head coach Fred Rutten.
According to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad, Schildkamp received permission from ESPN Netherlands to temporarily join Curaçao’s technical staff for the tournament.
A spokesperson for the sports broadcaster also confirmed to Dutch outlet NU.nl that ESPN fully supports Schildkamp’s temporary role with the Curaçao squad.
After the World Cup, the 51-year-old journalist is expected to return to his regular duties as a football commentator for ESPN.
Schildkamp will officially join the Curaçao selection on May 25 in Noordwijk, where head coach Dick Advocaat begins preparations for the country’s historic first participation at a FIFA World Cup.
Turmoil Around Curaçao Team
The appointment comes after several turbulent weeks surrounding the Curaçao national team.
Advocaat had previously stepped down because of the serious illness of his daughter, after which Rutten was appointed as his successor.
However, following disappointing friendly defeats against China national football team and Australia national football team, pressure reportedly increased within the squad and among sponsors to bring Advocaat back.
Major Curaçao sponsor Corendon publicly pushed for Advocaat’s return, arguing that the veteran coach remained the key figure behind Curaçao’s historic World Cup qualification campaign.
The return of Advocaat was officially confirmed earlier this week by the Curaçao Football Federation.
The World Cup will mark the first appearance ever by Curaçao at football’s biggest international tournament, creating unprecedented international attention around the island’s national team and football program.