Advocaat leaves Curacao four months out from World Cup

Dick Advocaat has left his role as head coach of Curacao for family reasons ahead of the island nation's debut appearance at the 2026 World Cup, the federation announced on Monday.

"Dick Advocaat has stepped down with immediate effect as head coach of the national football team of Curacao," the country's football federation announced on social media.

The statement added that the the 78-year-old will "devote his full attention to his daughter, who is facing health issues".

𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵

Dick Advocaat steps down as head coach of The Blue Wave. Fred Rutten has been appointed as his successor. #TheBlueWave #Curaçao pic.twitter.com/TQu2Sj2kDw — Curaçao National Football Team (@TheBlueWaveFFK) February 23, 2026

"I have always said that family comes before football," Advocaat, who has managed the Netherlands national team three times and gained extensive experience around the world before taking charge of Curacao in 2024, added in the statement.

Curacao is the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup, with an area of 444 square kilometres (171 sq miles) and just under 160 000 inhabitants.

Under Advocaat's tutelage, Curacao qualified for their debut appearance at a World Cup finals after they emerged unbeaten from CONCACAF qualifying.

Thank you, Coach! 🇨🇼 pic.twitter.com/BAcgpTqRwq — Curaçao National Football Team (@TheBlueWaveFFK) February 23, 2026

Advocaat is replaced at the helm of the national team by another Dutchman, Fred Rutten, who has notably coached FC Twente, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Schalke.

Curacao will face Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E in the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.