Legendary Dutch tactician Dick Advocaat is poised to make a comeback as head coach of the Curacao national football team, just months after stepping down in February 2026 due to family reasons, as reported by ESPN.
According to sources, the players pushed for Advocaat’s return following a string of disappointing friendly results in March, including a 1-5 loss to Australia and a 0-2 defeat to China. Sponsors also exerted financial pressure on the Curacao Football Federation to bring back the 78-year-old. Advocaat is expected to lead the Caribbean side in their historic first-ever World Cup appearance this June. The federation is scheduled to hold a press conference on May 12 to confirm his reappointment.
On May 11, the federation announced on its official website that Fred Rutten, who had taken over the role in February 2026, has been dismissed.
Curacao has been drawn into Group C alongside Germany, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador for the 2026 World Cup. If confirmed, Advocaat would become the oldest head coach in World Cup history at 78 years old.
