In a stunning turn of events just weeks before their historic World Cup debut, Curacao finds itself without a head coach after Fred Rutten abruptly stepped down following just two matches in charge.
The island nation—the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup with a population of roughly 150,000—confirmed Rutten's departure on Monday, May 11. The federation's board is set to meet immediately to determine next steps, with a press conference scheduled for Tuesday.
"There must not be a climate that harms healthy professional relationships within the team or staff," Rutten said in a statement. "That is why stepping down is the right decision. Time is pressing and Curacao must move forward. I regret how things unfolded, but I wish everyone the best."
Rutten, a former PSV Eindhoven manager, barely had time to make his mark. His brief tenure included only two friendlies—a 2-0 loss to China and a 5-1 defeat to Australia in March. The timing couldn't be worse: 55-man provisional rosters were due to FIFA on Monday, and Curacao's squad announcement, originally set for Tuesday, has now been delayed.
Reports from Curacao and the Netherlands suggest that players and sponsors pushed for Rutten's removal, hoping to lure back veteran manager Dick Advocaat. The 78-year-old stepped down earlier this year to support his daughter through health struggles, but later agreed to serve as an advisor for Dutch club Feyenoord.
If Advocaat returns, he would become the oldest manager ever to coach at a World Cup—a remarkable storyline for a team already defying the odds.
Interestingly, Curacao actually secured their World Cup spot without Advocaat on the touchline. After the penultimate qualifier, he returned to the Netherlands for a family emergency, leaving assistants Cor Pot and Dean Gorre to guide the team through the crucial draw they needed in Jamaica.
With a friendly against Scotland in Glasgow on May 30 and a home send-off match still on the schedule, Curacao's World Cup dream hangs in the balance as the clock ticks toward their tournament debut.