FIFA World Cuip 2026: World Cup debutant CuraÇao has parted ways with coach Fred Rutten. The move comes amid reports that Dutch veteran Dick Advocaat could return.
The change arrives less than five weeks before their opener. CuraÇao faces Germany in Houston at the first 48-team World Cup.
Rutten took charge in February after Advocaat stepped down. The 78-year-old cited his daughter’s health issues. Under Rutten, CuraÇao lost two March warmup games in Australia. They fell to Australia and China. Reports said some players wanted Advocaat back in charge.
The CuraÇao soccer federation confirmed Rutten’s departure in a statement. “I regret how things unfolded, but I wish everyone the best,” Rutten said. Officials are expected to hold a news conference on Tuesday. There was no formal confirmation yet on Advocaat’s possible return.
Rutten’s Coaching Report Card
Rutten previously coached Dutch clubs Twente, PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord. He also managed Schalke in Germany. CuraÇao is not alone in changing coaches after the draw. Ghana, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia have also replaced coaches since December. All are preparing for the same World Cup.
FIFA World Cup 2026: How Well Is CuraÇao Prepared For WC?
CuraÇao is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Caribbean island has about 156,000 people. The national team depends mainly on players born and raised in the Netherlands. At the World Cup, they play Ecuador in Kansas City while Ivory Coast awaits them in Philadelphia.
The new format gave CONCACAF three extra guaranteed entries. CuraÇao qualified through that expanded system. Advocaat earlier led the Netherlands to the 1994 World Cup quarterfinals in the United States. He later coached South Korea at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.