Veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 78, is reappointed as head coach of Curaçao for the 2026 World Cup, roughly three months after resigning. Multiple outlets report that Curaçao’s football federation confirms his return, with the Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) president Gilbert Martina saying, “Advocaat is returning.” Sources agree that Advocaat stepped down in February to care for his daughter amid health concerns. They also report that he had previously led Curaçao to reach World Cup qualification and that his reappointment would make him the oldest manager in World Cup history.
During the interim period, Curaçao appointed Fred Rutten, who later resigned as coach after “constructive discussions” among federation officials, according to reports citing the federation. One outlet adds that Curaçao experienced defeats in March friendlies under Rutten, including losses to Australia and China.
Reports further indicate that Advocaat agrees to return following improvements in his daughter’s health, though details are limited and phrased as media reports rather than official statements.
