Curaçao Confirms Dick Advocaat's Return for World Cup Amidst Turmoil

Pulse Sports Team 15:17 - 12 May 2026

What had been rumored for 24 hours was made official by the Curaçaoan Football Federation on Tuesday: Dick Advocaat is returning as head coach of the World Cup debutants, replacing Fred Rutten, who had himself replaced Advocaat just a few months ago and stepped aside after considerable unrest. With Advocaat at the helm, Curaçao will head to the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next month.

Dick Advocaat is set to return as head coach of Curaçao a month before the World Cup, the Curaçaoan Football Federation (FFK) announced at a press conference on Tuesday. The 78-year-old coach will become the oldest national team manager ever at a FIFA World Cup.

Advocaat previously led the team to their World Cup debut but stepped down in February due to family circumstances. Fred Rutten took over his position. Tensions within the FFK escalated last week as the squad and main sponsor Corendon called for Advocaat's return. On Monday, Rutten decided to withdraw after "open and constructive discussions" and "in the interest of Curaçaoan football," according to the FFK.

Curaçao is scheduled to face Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast in the World Cup group stage.