Advocaat departs Curaçao
Veteran coach will be succeeded in the role by fellow Dutchman Fred Rutten ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.
Dick Advocaat has resigned as Curaçao head coach
Blue Wave are preparing for their debut World Cup campaign
Fred Rutten has taken the reins
Dick Advocaat has left his post as head coach of Curaçao less than four months before the Blue Wave's debut FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaign.
The 78-year-old, who was set to become the oldest coach in tournament history in North America, has taken the decision in order to give his "full attention" to his daughter, who is currently facing health issues.
"I have always said that family comes before football. This is therefore a natural decision," he said in a statement. "That said, I will greatly miss Curaçao, its people and my colleagues."
Advocaat led the Blue Wave through a sport-shaking qualifying campaign for World Cup 2026. They went unbeaten throughout their ten preliminaries, before securing their ticket to the global finals with a goalless draw in Jamaica in November 2025. With just 156,000 inhabitants, they are the least populous nation to reach the tournament.
"I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career," he continued. "I am proud of my players, staff and board members who believed in us."
Fellow Dutchman Fred Rutten will take charge of the side in what is his first international role. The 63-year-old has coached FC Twente, PSV, Vitesse and Feyenoord in his homeland, while also taking in spells in Germany, United Arab Emirates, Israel and Belgium.
"It is a difficult time for Dick and I wish him and his family strength," Rutten stated. "Dick is an icon in world football. It is truly an honour to continue his work. I have spoken extensively with him and his staff and will continue along the same path. Curaçao can expect the same commitment and dedication from me."
Curaçao begin their World Cup adventure against four-time champions Germany at Houston Stadium. They continue their Group E campaign versus Ecuador at Kansas City Stadium, before travelling to Philadelphia Stadium to take on Côte d'Ivoire.