Dick Advocaat steps down as Curaçao head coach ahead of World Cup | OneFootball

After securing a historic spot in the upcoming World Cup this summer, Curaçao national team received news of the departure of coach Dick Advocaat.

The 78-year-old has to decided to step away from the role due to his daughter's health.

"I have always said that family comes before football, this is therefore a natural decision," Advocaat said in a statement.

"That said, I will greatly miss Curaçao, its people, and my colleagues. I consider qualifying the smallest national in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights my career. I am proud of my players, staff, and board members who believed in us."

Advocaat took over the Curaçao national team in 2024, and led the country to its first World Cup by winning a group that included the favourite, Jamaica.

Advocaat's successor will be fellow Dutchman Fred Rutten, former PSV, Feyenoord, and Schalke 04 coach.