Dutch manager Fred Rutten, who only took charge of Curaçao’s national team in March, has resigned just one month before the squad is set to make its World Cup debut. The federation announced the sudden change on Monday, leaving the Caribbean minnows scrambling for a replacement.
According to Dutch outlet *Voetbal International*, the leading candidate to fill the vacancy is Dick Advocaat, the very coach who masterminded Curaçao’s historic qualification. Advocaat had stepped down in February to care for his ill daughter, paving the way for Rutten’s appointment. Now, with his daughter’s health improving, Advocaat has reemerged as the preferred choice among players and sponsors.
Rutten oversaw the team for just two months before deciding to walk away. In a farewell statement, he explained, “To avoid any atmosphere that could harm the healthy professional relationships within the squad or coaching staff, stepping down is the right decision. Time is short, and Curaçao needs to move forward. I’m sorry about how things turned out, but I wish everyone the best.”
If Advocaat returns, the 78‑year‑old would become the oldest coach to lead a team at a World Cup, surpassing German Otto Rehhagel, who was 72 when he guided Greece in 2010.
Curaçao, a tiny island nation with 156,000 residents and an area of 444 km², is the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup. The team will kick off its campaign against Germany on June 14 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, in a Group E clash.