Manager of World Cup nation steps down after 77 days in charge with replacement already decided

The manager of a World Cup nation has stepped down from his role after just 77 days in charge.

The World Cup gets underway on June 11, and will be held in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

There will be four debutants at the tournament, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan all qualifying under the newly-expanded 48-team format.

Curacao, an island country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, have now made their second managerial change in the space of under three months.

Former Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat was, at 78, due to be the oldest manager to take charge of a World Cup match, but he stepped down in February to care for his daughter who was experiencing ill health.

The Dutchman had guided Curacao through the qualifying stage before leaving his role.

He recommended that the Curacao Football Federation (FFK) appoint his compatriot Fred Rutten as his replacement.

Rutten, who had previously managed Schalke, PSV and Anderlecht among a host of other European clubs, accepted the role and took charge of two friendlies against China and Australia in March.

After a 2-0 defeat to China, Curacao were thrashed 5-1 by Australia in Melbourne - a result that perhaps sums up the scale of the task ahead of the small island nation at this summer's tournament.

Tensions inside Curacao camp

It was reported earlier this month that tensions were growing inside the national team amid calls for Advocaat to return as manager.

Rutten appeared to suggest as much in a statement, in which he confirmed his resignation as Curacao manager after 77 days.

"There must not be a climate that damages healthy professional relations, both among players and in the staff," he wrote.

"Therefore, it is prudent to take a step back. In addition, time is running out and Corsou must move forward.

"I regret how the situation has developed, but I wish everyone much success as well."

The FFK noted how Rutten had 'demonstrated extraordinary class, professionalism and sense of responsibility' during his time in charge.

According to ESPN, Advocaat is set to make a sensational return to coach Curacao at the 2026 World Cup.

It is reported that the decision to re-appoint Advocaat, who coached Netherlands and South Korea at the 1994 and 2006 World Cups respectively, will be announced by the FFK on Tuesday.