Dick Advocaat, the 78-year-old Dutch coach, has returned to lead Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup, making him the oldest manager in tournament history. He previously guided the Caribbean island to their first qualification but resigned in November due to his daughter's health issues.
Advocaat's return follows the resignation of Fred Rutten, who took over after Advocaat's departure. Rutten stepped down amid reported pressure from players and sponsors for Advocaat's comeback, with his daughter's health now improved. The Curaçao Football Federation confirmed Rutten's resignation after 'constructive discussions'.
Federation president Gilbert Martina initially supported Rutten but later acknowledged the campaign against him. 'After it became known that Advocaat's daughter was better, a very negative campaign was launched,' Martina said, though he denied any player plot. Rutten stated he stepped down to avoid undermining professional relations.
Curaçao, with a population of 180,000, will be the smallest nation to compete at a World Cup. They are in Group E alongside Ecuador, Germany, and Côte d'Ivoire. This will be Advocaat's third World Cup, having previously managed the Netherlands in 1994 and South Korea in 2006.
