28 days to the World Cup: At 78, Dick Advocaat returns to Curaçao — and tournament history

Thu, May 14, 2026 at 12:01 PM UTC

0

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is on! Each day ahead of the tournament’s return to North America, Yahoo Sports will highlight an insight or moment that showcases just how grand the world’s biggest sporting spectacle has become — even beyond the expanded field of this year’s global event.

Dick Advocaat, who helped Curaçao qualify for the 2026 World Cup before resigning due to the health of his daughter, will be back on the touchline when the tiny nation takes part in this summer’s tournament.

The 78-year-old Advocaat stepped down in February, three months after Curaçao secured qualification. The Curaçao Football Federation confirmed Advocaat’s return five weeks before the nation’s World Cup debut.

Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament

Advertisement

Fred Rutten had replaced Advocaat and coached the team during its two March friendlies — defeats to Australia and China by a combined 7-1 scoreline. He resigned after "constructive discussions" with federation leaders.

Curaçao, the fourth World Cup team to change coaches since the December draw, are in Group E and will play Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast.

Advocaat has a long history of coaching at the club and international level. He managed the Netherlands to the quarterfinals at the 1994 World Cup — one of his three stints in charge of his home country. He also was at the helm when South Korea took part in the 2006 competition in Germany.

Advocaat's international résumé also includes stops with United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Russia, Serbia and Iraq.

When Curaçao kicks off against Germany in its opening match, Advocaat will become the oldest manager ever at the World Cup, passing Otto Rehhagel, who led Greece at 71 years old at the 2010 World Cup.

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Sports”