Dick Advocaat Returns as Curacao Manager One Month Before World Cup

Advocaat replaces Rutten as Curacao coach after sponsor pressure

The FFK confirmed the change on Tuesday after Curacao lost friendlies to China and Australia under Fred Rutten.

Most of the squad reportedly wanted Advocaat back, and head sponsor Corendon exited after Rutten was initially confirmed for the tournament...

Dick Advocaat is back in charge of Curacao’s national team, the Curacao Football Federation confirmed at a press conference on Tuesday. The 78-year-old’s return comes just a month before the World Cup.

Advocaat stepped down in February after guiding the island to its first-ever World Cup appearance. He left to be with his seriously ill daughter in the Netherlands, and Fred Rutten took over in his place.

With his daughter’s health improving, talk of Advocaat returning picked up quickly. Reports said most of the squad wanted him back, and head sponsor Corendon pulled out after FFK president Gilbert Martina announced on Friday that Rutten would remain in charge for the tournament.

Martina said at Tuesday’s press conference that Corendon’s pressure didn’t influence the federation’s decision.

Advocaat Brought Back After Rutten Departs

The FFK confirmed on Monday that it had already split with Rutten before reappointing Advocaat.

“The FFK board has consistently made it clear that the appointment and dismissal of a national coach is the responsibility of the board. There has been external pressure, but our decision-making is not influenced by it.”

Under Rutten, Curaçao dropped both of their March friendlies, falling 2-0 to China and 5-1 to Australia.

Martina said the decision to bring Advocaat back wasn’t part of a planned move.

“Advocaat was contacted on Monday to gauge his availability, only after Fred (Rutten) had handed in his resignation on Sunday. Fred’s decision to step down is for a completely different reason.”

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐭 📝

We will play our @FIFAWorldCup matches in Houston, Kansas City and Philadelphia. #TheBlueWave #Curaçao pic.twitter.com/8FyfXuKipq

— Curaçao National Football Team (@TheBlueWaveFFK) December 6, 2025

After stepping down in February, Advocaat took a role as special advisor to Robin van Persie at Feyenoord. The club secured a spot in next season’s Champions League after finishing second in the Eredivisie.

When Curacao open their World Cup against Germany on June 14, Advocaat will set a record as the oldest head coach in the tournament’s history. Ivory Coast and Ecuador round out Group E alongside them.