Curacao, the smallest nation by population to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, has reappointed Dutch veteran coach Dick Advocaat as head coach just one month before the tournament begins. The 78-year-old is set to become the oldest coach in World Cup history at the finals.
Advocaat’s return is not new to Curacao football. Under his previous tenure, the team—representing a nation of approximately 185,000 people—secured qualification for the World Cup. Earlier this year, however, he stepped down due to his daughter’s illness.
In February, Fred Rutten, also Dutch and aged 63, was appointed as his successor. However, reports indicated internal instability during Rutten’s tenure. On Sunday, the Curacao Football Federation (FFK) announced that Rutten had agreed to leave his position following what it described as “constructive discussions”. FFK president Gilbert Martina later told ESPN that differences in coaching philosophy had contributed to the situation, stating that Advocaat’s style differed significantly from Rutten’s approach.
During Rutten’s short spell in charge, Curacao played two international fixtures in March, losing both matches. They were defeated 5–1 by Australia and 2–0 by China.
The federation’s decision has been widely interpreted as paving the way for Advocaat’s return ahead of the World Cup campaign.
Coaching changes and recent results
| Date/Period | Event | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2024 | Advocaat appointed | First took charge of Curacao |
| Early 2025 | Advocaat steps down | Left due to daughter’s illness |
| February 2025 | Fred Rutten appointed | Replaced Advocaat as head coach |
| March 2025 | International fixtures | Curacao lost 5–1 vs Australia and 2–0 vs China |
| May 2025 | Rutten departs | Left after “constructive discussions” |
| May 2025 | Advocaat returns | Reappointed by FFK |
Dick Advocaat began his professional coaching career in 1980 and has since held 28 managerial positions, including his initial stint with Curacao. His extensive international experience includes managing the Netherlands at the 1994 FIFA World Cup and South Korea at the 2006 tournament.
He has also coached several national teams, including Belgium, Serbia, Russia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates. At club level, his career has included spells with PSV Eindhoven, Fenerbahçe, Borussia Mönchengladbach, and Feyenoord, among others.
Advocaat’s return follows an improvement in his daughter’s health condition, enabling him to resume coaching duties.
Curacao are scheduled to travel to Scotland later this month for a friendly match as part of their final preparations. At the World Cup finals, they have been drawn in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast. Their opening fixture will be against Germany on 14 June.