Curacao manager Dick Advocaat resigns ahead of nation's World Cup debut

The 78-year-old is stepping down to care for his daughter, who has health issues.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Dick Advocaat has resigned as the manager of the Curacao national football team just three months before the country is set to make its World Cup debut. Advocaat, 78, led Curacao to their first-ever World Cup qualification, making them the smallest nation to reach the tournament. However, he is now stepping down from the role to care for his daughter, who has health issues.

Why it matters

Curacao's qualification for the World Cup was a historic achievement for the small Caribbean island nation of just 185,000 people. Advocaat's resignation comes as a major blow, leaving the team with limited time to prepare under new management before the tournament.

The details

Advocaat took charge of Curacao in January 2024 and guided them through an unbeaten qualifying campaign, securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Curacao will be the smallest nation ever to compete in the World Cup, surpassing Iceland's previous record. Advocaat has been replaced by former PSV manager Fred Rutten, 63.

  • Advocaat took charge of Curacao in January 2024.
  • Curacao qualified for the 2026 World Cup in November 2025.
  • Advocaat has resigned in February 2026, just three months before the World Cup.

The players

Dick Advocaat

The 78-year-old Dutch manager who led Curacao to their first-ever World Cup qualification before resigning to care for his daughter.

Fred Rutten

The 63-year-old former PSV manager who has been appointed as the new manager of the Curacao national team.

Curacao National Football Team

The national football team of Curacao, a Caribbean island nation with a population of just 185,000 people, which has qualified for the 2026 World Cup, becoming the smallest nation to ever reach the tournament.

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What’s next

Curacao will face Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador in Group E at the 2026 World Cup. Their first match is on June 14 against Germany in Houston, Texas.

The takeaway

Advocaat's resignation is a significant setback for Curacao, the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup. The team now faces the challenge of preparing for their historic debut under new management, with limited time before the tournament begins.