Advocaat resigned to dedicate his full attention to his daughter, who is facing health issues. Had he coached at the 2026 World Cup, which runs from 11/6 to 19/7 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 78-year-old would have been the oldest coach in the tournament's history.

Advocaat coached Curacao in their World Cup qualifier draw against Jamaica on 18/11/2025. Photo: ANP

"I have always said that family is more important than football, so this was an easy decision," Advocaat stated in an announcement on 23/2. "However, I will miss Curacao, its people, and my colleagues. I consider leading the world's smallest nation to a World Cup qualification one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of the players, coaching staff, and management who put their trust in us."

Advocaat took charge of the Curacao national team in 2024. During the recent CONCACAF qualifiers, he guided the team to their first-ever World Cup berth. Curacao holds the distinction of being the smallest nation to qualify for the World Cup, with a population of approximately 155,000 and an area of 444 square kilometers.

"Dick's decision deserves complete respect. He made history with our national team, and Curacao will be forever grateful to him," said Gilbert Martina, President of the Curacao Football Federation.

Before his tenure with Curacao, Advocaat led the Netherlands to the 1994 World Cup quarterfinals and the Euro 2004 semifinals. He also coached South Korea at the 2006 World Cup and Russia at Euro 2012. He shares the record for 37 wins with the Netherlands national team alongside Bob Glendenning.

At the club level, Advocaat secured the Dutch championship with PSV, won the Scottish league twice with Rangers, and claimed the Russian championship, the UEFA Cup (predecessor to the Europa League), and the European Super Cup with Zenit.

Another Dutch coach, Fred Rutten, will replace Advocaat to lead Curacao at the 2026 World Cup. "This is a difficult time for Dick. I wish him and his family strength to overcome this challenge," Rutten said. "Dick is a global football icon, and it is an honor to continue his work."

By Thanh Quy (Source: Marca)