Dick Advocaat to the World Cup after all? “I understand that too.”

In November 2025, former PSV coach Dick Advocaat made history by, for the first time in history, qualifying as head coach of Curaçao for the FIFA World Cup. Three months ago, however, Advocaat decided to step down as the island’s head coach due to his daughter’s health.

The born Hageneer was in turn replaced by Fred Rutten, another former PSV coach. Under Rutten, Curaçao played two friendly matches, both of which were lost to China (2-0) and Australia (5-1).

According to Johan Derksen, the island and the selection group are shouting en masse for the return of Advocaat. The bearded analyst tells this on Vandaag Inside.

Advocaat would also have interest in a return as national coach, since, according to Derksen, the situation with his daughter has improved somewhat in the meantime. ''Actually, Dick would like to be involved, but he finds it a bit awkward towards Fred. I understand that too, but all that island and all the players are now already completely exhausted with Fred, because he acts like he wants to win the World Cup with that bunch. And that’s not going to happen'', continues De Snor.

According to Derksen, it is also better for the image of Curaçao if Advocaat were to stand on the touchline as national team coach rather than Rutten. ''If the Curaçao federation explains to Fred what the situation is. Dick is from the island and everyone there is crazy about Dick. Due to circumstances he had to drop out, but actually Fred should call Dick and say: 'All credit to you. If you want to go there, then I’ll make room.' Dick belongs there as well. And for Curaçao promotion, too, Dick is much more useful than Fred'', De Snor said.