Curacao have moved to quickly replace Advocaat.
Dick Advocaat has stepped down as Curacao coach under four months away from their historic World Cup debut.
Advocaat led Curacao to qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will begin in North America in June, a 0-0 draw with Jamaica in November seeing them become the smallest nation to ever reach the finals.
But Advocaat, whose nomadic career has previously seen him lead the Netherlands and South Korea in World Cups, will not be in charge when Curacao face Germany in Houston on June 14.
Advocaat leaves Curacao, Rutten takes charge
The 78-year-old has elected to resign from his position to focus on caring for his daughter, who is dealing with ill health. Had he remained in charge, Advocaat would have become the oldest coach to lead a team at the finals in World Cup history.
“I’ve always said family is above football,” Advocaat said in a statement. “This is therefore a natural decision. That said, I will greatly miss Curacao, its people, and my colleagues.
“I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of my players, staff and board members who believed in us.”
Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) president Gilbert Martina paid tribute to Advocaat, adding: “His decision commands nothing but respect. Dick has made history with our national team. Curacao will always remain grateful to him.”
Advocaat will be replaced by Fred Rutten, who will be making his first foray into international management.
Rutten has spent the bulk of his career coaching in the Eredivisie, the 63-year-old enjoying spells in charge of Twente, PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord and Vitesse. He has also coached in Germany with Schalke and in Belgium with Anderlecht.
“It is a difficult time for Dick and I wish him and his family strength,” Rutten said.
“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. Curacao can expect the same dedication and commitment from me.”
Curacao World Cup 2026 schedule
Curacao were drawn in Group E for their World Cup debut, handing the Caribbean nation the following fixtures:
- Germany, June 14, NRG Stadium, Houston
- Ecuador, June 20, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
- Ivory Coast, June 25, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
Rutten has a tall task on his hands to get any points from a daunting group, with Curacao likely to be heavy underdogs in all three games. They will be widely expected to exit the expanded 48-team tournament in the group stage.
His first game in charge will come next month, when Curacao face China in a friendly on March 27 in Sydney. They then take on Australia on March 31 in Melbourne.
Curacao will warm up for the World Cup with a game against Scotland on May 30 at Hampden Park, where Advocaat twice tasted glory in the Scottish Cup during his time as manager of Rangers.
