Dick Advocaat will lead Curacao at the FIFA World Cup 2026. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Curacao is set to make its debut at the FIFA World Cup when it faces Germany in Houston on June 14.

Leading the way for the small island nation is the vastly experienced Dick Advocaat, who is set to become the oldest manager in World Cup history by taking the record off South Africa’s Hugo Broos (who made the record in the first match of the tournament).

The Dutchman is a veteran manager boasting over 45 years of experience in management at both the club and international level. 

Feyenoord, PSV, AZ, Rangers, and Sunderland are among the biggest clubs on his CV, while at the international level he has managed both the men’s and women’s teams of Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Belgium, Russia, Serbia, and Iraq before this.

Advocaat was first appointed as Curacao manager in 2024, and led it to qualification for the global showstopper in December 2025. However, a few months later, he stepped down owing to his daughter’s ill-health and was replaced by Fred Rutten.

By May, his daughter’s health had improved, and as Rutten stepped down, the 78-year-old returned to lead Curacao into its first adventure at the World Cup.   

Dick Advocaat coaching record with Curacao

• Matches played: 22
• Won: 12
• Drawn: 6
• Lost: 4

Published on Jun 14, 2026