WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) is calling for calm, unity, and focus around the Curaçao national football team as preparations intensify for the country’s historic participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to football federation president Gilbert Martina, now is the moment for everyone to “step onto the train of the Ola Positivo,” referring to the positive wave currently surrounding the Blue Wave national team.
The statement comes after the decision was made for Dick Advocaat to return as head coach of Curaçao.
Although the agreement has not yet been officially signed, both parties are still discussing the final contractual conditions. According to FFK, those talks include a clause addressing the possibility of personal circumstances again affecting Advocaat’s availability.
Advocaat is expected to officially present his player selection on Friday.
The preliminary squad list had already been submitted earlier to FIFA by former coach Fred Rutten before his resignation earlier this week.
Under FIFA regulations, the final World Cup squad must be officially confirmed no later than June 1.
With only 29 days remaining before the start of the World Cup, the federation says the focus is now on mental preparation, stability, and maintaining concentration within the squad.
According to Martina, the players remain fully committed to representing Curaçao regardless of who is leading the technical staff.
The developments follow several turbulent days within Curaçao football after Rutten stepped down and public debate intensified over Advocaat’s return to the national team bench.