Curaçao allow players to sleep with partners at World Cup, says team doctor | OneFootball

Dick Advocaat has allowed Curaçao players to sleep with partners at the team hotel during the 2026 World Cup, a rare policy that even encourages sex, often banned before matches.

At their first finals, Curaçao lost 1-7 to Germany, then drew 0-0 with Ecuador on Saturday. Team doctor Suzanne Huurman said, "It is quite unique in international football. Curaçao is small, joyful and family oriented, which reminds me of Brazil", she told Globo Esporte.

She added, "I think it helps, more emotionally than physiologically. In a long tournament, having family nearby eases homesickness and brings calm."

Each player has a room, with a second provided if children are present, and costs are covered. "Many of our players are not at the very top level. For many families it would be expensive to travel and stay alone for weeks in the United States."

"The federation chose to pay these expenses so players can have their spouses and children close. Some would otherwise be worried or stressed."

Curaçao are bottom of Group E but still in contention for the last 16. They finish the group on Thursday against Côte d'Ivoire at 22:00 French time.

Source: L'Équipe