Dick Advocaat will return as Curaçao coach for next month's World Cup after Fred Rutten resigned and the island federation confirmed the change on Tuesday. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The 78-year-old would be the oldest coach in World Cup history if he takes the sideline in 2026. Curaçao reached its first men's World Cup under Advocaat, who previously led the Netherlands at the 1994 tournament and South Korea at the 2006 edition. [1, 2, 3, 4]
Rutten took over after Advocaat stepped down in February because of his daughter's health issues. Curaçao then lost two March warm-up matches under Rutten, falling 2-0 to China and 5-1 to Australia. [1, 2, 3, 4]
The federation said Rutten called on Sunday to say he felt it was best to step down. He resigned on Monday and Advocaat was contacted about returning. Gilbert Martina said, "Advocaat is returning," and also said that after news that Advocaat's daughter was better, "a very negative campaign was launched in the press in which Rutten was cast in a bad light." Rutten said, "A climate must not arise that undermines healthy professional relations, within both the squad and the staff. That is why it is wise to step down." [1, 2, 3, 4]
Curaçao, described in reports as the smallest country to compete at a World Cup, will face Ecuador, Germany and Ivory Coast in the group stage. The team has a population of just over 150,000 and an area of 171 square miles. [1, 3, 4]
The federation is due to continue preparations for the tournament, which starts next month. [1, 3, 4]
