28 days to the World Cup: At 78, Dick Advocaat returns to Curaçao — and tournament history

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Dick Advocaat, who helped Curaçao qualify for the 2026 World Cup before resigning due to the health of his daughter, will be back on the touchline when the tiny nation takes part in this summer’s tournament.

The 78-year-old Advocaat stepped down in February, three months after Curaçao secured qualification. The Curaçao Football Federation confirmed Advocaat’s return five weeks before the nation’s World Cup debut.

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Fred Rutten had replaced Advocaat and coached the team during its two March friendlies — defeats to Australia and China by a combined 7-1 scoreline. He resigned after "constructive discussions" with federation leaders.

Curaçao, the fourth World Cup team to change coaches since the December draw, are in Group E and will play Germany, and .