The resignation of the biggest coach in the 2026 World Cup due to his daughter's health
Dick Advocaat has resigned as the coach of Curaçao's national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup due to personal reasons related to his daughter's health.
Dick Advocaat, the renowned coach who led Curaçao to its first-ever participation in the FIFA World Cup, has announced his resignation from the national team due to personal matters concerning his daughter's health. The news was reported by Dutch media, highlighting that Advocaat, who has been a prominent figure in international football, prioritized family over his coaching responsibilities. He remarked that family always comes first, underscoring the emotional weight behind his decision.
During his two-year tenure, Advocaat achieved significant milestones with the team, marking a historic moment for Curaçao, a Caribbean island nation with a population of about 150,000. His leadership was celebrated, and he described leading the team to the World Cup as the "craziest" accomplishment of his nearly four-decade coaching career. This achievement positioned him to become the oldest coach in World Cup history, highlighting the impressive nature of his tenure.
Following Advocaat's departure, Dutch compatriot Fred Rutten has been appointed as the new head coach. Rutten, a former defender for the Netherlands and experienced coach who has managed clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Feyenoord, takes on the challenge of leading Curaçao's national team as they prepare for their World Cup opener against Germany. The transition signifies an important moment for the team as they approach the global stage of football, and Advocaat's sentiments will surely be felt as they embark on this historic journey.