Manager leaves World Cup nation with immediate effect in shock move

A former Premier League manager has left his role as head coach of a World Cup nation due to personal reasons.

A record 48 teams have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which is due to be hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

There will be a number of debutants, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan all set to play in their maiden World Cup.

Curacao topped their group in the CONCACAF qualifying section by drawing 0-0 with Jamaica in the final match.

Former Sunderland and Rangers boss Dick Advocaat guided them through qualifying - but will no longer take charge of the island nation at the World Cup this summer.

Dick Advocaat took over as Curacao head coach in January 2024 (Image: Getty)

The Curacao Football Federation has released a statement confirming that Advocaat, who turns 79 in September, will be stepping down from his role 'to devote his full attention to his daughter, who is facing health issues'.

They have already appointed his successor, with former PSV and Feyenoord boss Fred Rutter now set to take charge of the nation at their first-ever World Cup.

Rutter says that he has 'spoken extensively' with Advocaat, and will 'continue along the same path'.

Advocaat stated: "I have always said that family comes before football.

"This is therefore a natural decision. That said, I will greatly miss Curacao, its people, and my colleagues.

"I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of my players, staff and board members who believed in us."

Advocaat attended the 2026 World Cup draw in December (Image: Getty)

Advocaat was due to become the oldest manager in World Cup history had he taken the role. He previously took charge of South Korea at the 2006 World Cup, and his home country of Netherlands at the 1994 edition.

Curacao has a population of just over 150,000 people, and is autonomous within the kingdom of the Netherlands.

Despite this, a number of its top stars, including brothers Leandro and Juninho Bacuna and forward Jurgen Locadia, have played in the Premier League.

Ex-Manchester United and Luton Town midfielder Tahith Chong switched international allegiance to Curacao last year, having represented Netherlands at youth levels.