Curaçao will keep Dick Advocaat in charge through July after the 78-year-old coach agreed a contract extension following the island’s first appearance at a World Cup.
Curaçao retain Advocaat after landmark World Cup campaign
The Caribbean federation confirmed on Wednesday that Advocaat will continue as national-team coach until July, providing continuity after a turbulent spell around Curaçao’s breakthrough qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Appointed in January 2024, the Dutch coach guided Curaçao to the tournament in North America before stepping aside in February because of his daughter’s illness. Fred Rutten took over during Advocaat’s absence, but Advocaat returned in May and was back in place for the finals.
His presence at the tournament made him, at 78, the oldest manager ever to take part in a World Cup. It was his third finals tournament as a head coach, following spells with the Netherlands at the 1994 World Cup in the United States and South Korea at the 2006 edition.
“It is a fantastic group to work with,” Advocaat said after agreeing the new deal. “We have achieved something special together, and I hope we can continue building on what we have done with the players and staff.”
First finals brought one point in Group E
Curaçao finished bottom of Group E, but their debut produced memorable moments. They briefly held Germany level before suffering a 7-1 defeat, then earned their first World Cup point with a goalless draw against Ecuador.
Their tournament ended with a 2-0 loss to Costa de Marfil.
CONCACAF Nations League window next
Advocaat is expected to name his next squad shortly for Curaçao’s CONCACAF Nations League fixtures against Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Trinidad and Tobago. The matches are scheduled across the current international window and October, beginning the next stage of the national team’s calendar after its historic World Cup debut.
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Dick Advocaat Extends Curaçao Contract After 2026 World Cup
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Dick Advocaat will remain Curaçao coach until July after leading the Caribbean side to its first World Cup, with Nations League matches against Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Trinidad and Tobago next.
