Curacao national football team face a sudden coaching change just weeks before their first World Cup appearance after Fred Rutten resigned from his role as head coach, the federation confirmed.
The Curacao Football Federation said Rutten stepped down following talks with officials. The 63-year-old Dutch coach said he wanted to protect “stability and healthy professional relationships” within the national set-up.
Rutten said: “There should not be an atmosphere that harms healthy professional relationships. That is why resignation is the right decision. Time is pressing, and Curacao must move forward.”
Rutten took charge in February after replacing Dick Advocaat but managed only two matches in charge, both ending in defeat. His short spell leaves Curacao searching for a new head coach at a critical point in their preparation cycle.
The timing matters for the Caribbean side as they prepare for their first World Cup campaign. They will compete in Group E against Germany, Ecuador and Ivory Coast at the 2026 tournament.
Germany national football team, Ecuador national football team, and Ivory Coast national football team provide a demanding group assignment for a team still building experience at the highest level.
Curacao now face the task of appointing a new head coach quickly to stabilise preparation work and final squad planning ahead of their historic debut on football’s biggest stage.
