Dick Advocaat has returned as head coach of the Curacao national football team just over two weeks ago, leading the squad into their debut FIFA World Cup in 2026 [1, 2]. The 78-year-old will become the oldest coach in World Cup history at the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States [1, 2, 3].
Advocaat originally qualified Curacao for their maiden World Cup last November, marking a historic achievement for the Caribbean nation [1, 2]. He stepped down in February due to his daughter's ill health but returned after Fred Rutten, who had succeeded him, resigned suddenly in early May following an alleged player revolt [1, 2]. "Fred Rutten resigned himself. So I wouldn’t know what the problem is," Advocaat said [1].
The Curacao team, currently ranked 82nd by FIFA, will compete in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast. Advocaat acknowledged the vast gap between his mostly amateur players and the seasoned World Cup giants. "The German players all have top salaries; our players don't. They would have to miss their families for a month, which seems difficult to me," he said. For that reason, the families of Curacao's players will travel with the team to the tournament [1].
Curacao played a friendly against Scotland in Glasgow on May 28 as part of their preparations [3]. Advocaat expressed confidence despite their underdog status: "Reaching the next round is our goal. It is unprecedented for Curacao. The excitement is immense" [1, 2, 3]. He also downplayed concerns about his age, saying, "I don’t care because I don’t feel that age... I could come back and start again. That gives me a good feeling" [3].
Curacao’s World Cup campaign will open on June 14 against Germany, setting the stage for their first-ever appearance on football’s biggest stage [1, 2, 3].
