The national team of Curaçao has undergone a significant change in its World Cup preparations. On Monday, head coach Fred Rutten announced his resignation, just one month before the team’s opening match of the tournament. The decision was confirmed by the local federation following meetings with the board.
Rutten’s departure follows days of uncertainty behind the scenes. Players and sponsors had been expressing a desire for Dick Advocaat to return—the coach who led the country through the qualifiers but stepped down in February due to family issues. In a statement, Rutten said he chose to leave to avoid a climate that could harm the team’s performance.
With the position now open, Dick Advocaat is expected to be announced as the replacement within hours. If he takes charge for the World Cup, the 78-year-old veteran will make history as the oldest coach to lead a national team in a World Cup edition.
Curaçao is in Group E of the tournament and faces a massive challenge in its opening match. The team will debut on June 14 against Germany in Houston, United States. A press conference is scheduled for Tuesday to detail the coaching transition.
