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Soccer
Advocaat open to return as Curacao boss resigns
TL;DR
Dick Advocaat may return as head coach of Curacao after Fred Rutten's resignation just a month before the World Cup. Advocaat previously led Curacao to an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
Key points
- Dick Advocaat could return as Curacao's head coach
- Fred Rutten resigned just before the World Cup
- Curacao went unbeaten in Concacaf qualifying
- Advocaat previously stepped down for family health reasons
- Pressure from players and sponsors influenced the coaching decision
Mentioned in this story
Dick AdvocaatFred Rutten
Curacao2026 World Cup
Under Dick Advocaat, Curacao went unbeaten through Concacaf qualifying to secure direct entry to the 2026 World Cup [Getty Images]
Dick Advocaat could make a surprise return as head coach of the Curacao national team after his successor Fred Rutten resigned just a month out from their World Cup debut.
Advocaat made history last November when he led the Caribbean island to the finals but stepped down three months later because of his daughter's health.
Throughout Rutten's short tenure, which included defeats to China and Australia in March, Curacao's football federation (FFK) has been under pressure from players and sponsors to reinstate Advocaat.
On Friday, the FFK put its full support behind 63-year-old Rutten, stating he "will represent Curacao as national head coach during the World Cup".
However, just three days later, following "open and constructive" talks, Rutten has departed, saying: "A climate that damages professional relationships among players and staff must not be allowed to emerge. It is prudent to step back. Time is pressing and Curacao must move forward."
Reports in the Dutch media suggest Advocaat, 78, is open to returning to his former role following improvements in his daughter's health.
Should he return, he will become the oldest coach in World Cup history.
Curacao, the smallest country to qualify for a World Cup, face Germany on 14 June in their Group E opener, with further matches against Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
Q&A
Why did Fred Rutten resign as Curacao's head coach?
Fred Rutten resigned due to pressure from players and sponsors after a series of defeats during his short tenure.
What achievements did Dick Advocaat have with Curacao?
Dick Advocaat led Curacao to an unbeaten record in Concacaf qualifying, securing their direct entry to the 2026 World Cup.
What prompted Dick Advocaat to step down as Curacao's coach previously?
Dick Advocaat stepped down due to his daughter's health issues three months after leading the team to the finals.
