Dick Advocaat has stepped down as Curaçao head coach with immediate effect, departing the role to care for his daughter, who is facing serious health problems.
The 78-year-old Dutchman guided the Caribbean island nation to their maiden World Cup qualification in November but will not be on the touchline when they make their tournament debut this summer.
Curaçao’s football federation confirmed the resignation on Monday, announcing that Advocaat had chosen to dedicate his full attention to his family.
The veteran manager would have become the oldest coach in World Cup history had he remained in charge for the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Advocaat took charge of the national team in January 2024.
He guided the team through an unblemished qualifying campaign, securing passage to the tournament without suffering a single defeat.
The group stage saw Curaçao overcome Bermuda, Trinidad and Tobago, and Jamaica.
A draw against Jamaica in November sealed their historic berth.
Dick Advocaat has stepped down as Curaçao head coach with immediate effect
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With a population of approximately 150,000 to 185,000 residents, the Dutch Caribbean territory surpassed Iceland as the smallest nation ever to reach football’s premier competition.
Advocaat himself described steering the tiny island to World Cup qualification as the “craziest thing” he had accomplished across a managerial career spanning nearly four decades.
Advocaat made clear that his departure was an inevitable choice given his personal circumstances.
He said: “I’ve always said that family comes before football. This is therefore a natural decision.”
Curaçao’s football federation confirmed the resignation on Monday
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Despite the difficult timing, the former Netherlands and South Korea World Cup manager expressed deep affection for his adopted nation.
He said: “I will greatly miss Curaçao, its people, and my colleagues,” he said.
He added: “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.”
Fellow Dutchman Fred Rutten has been named as Advocaat’s successor, taking charge of the national team ahead of their historic tournament appearance.
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The World Cup next summer will include the host teams in its history
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PAThe 63-year-old brings considerable experience to the role, having previously managed PSV, Feyenoord and Belgian side Anderlecht during a 25-year coaching career.
Rutten paid tribute to his predecessor, saying: “Advocaat is an icon in the football world. It’s an honour to continue his work.”
Gilbert Martina, president of the Curaçao Football Federation, said the nation “will always remain grateful” to Advocaat and that “his decision commands nothing but respect”.
Curaçao open their Group E campaign against Germany in Houston on June 14.
