After his daughter's health improved, Advocaat returned in May 2026, replacing Fred Rutten. In doing so, he became the oldest manager in World Cup history.

How they qualified

Curacao entered CONCACAF qualifying in the second round in June 2024, dispatching Barbados 4-1 and Aruba 2-0. A year later, they swept past Saint Lucia 4-0 and hammered Haiti 5-1 to top Group C unbeaten alongside Haiti, who advanced as runners-up.

The third round brought tighter tests. They drew 0-0 with Trinidad and Tobago, edged Bermuda 3-2 after leading 2-0, then beat Jamaica 2-0 and drew 1-1 with Trinidad and Tobago. A stunning 7-0 demolition of Bermuda set up the decisive finale — a draw in Kingston that sent them through, unbeaten throughout the entire campaign.

Players to watch

Several members of Curacao's squad are well known to British football fans. Brothers Leandro Bacuna and Juninho Bacuna have both featured in England and Scotland — Leandro at Aston Villa, Reading, Cardiff, and Watford, while Juninho represented Huddersfield, Rangers, and Birmingham.

Tahith Chong, who came through Manchester United's academy, currently plays for Sheffield United and is the only squad member born outside the Netherlands. Jurgen Locadia made 46 appearances for Brighton between 2018 and 2022, Shurandy Sambo has been at Sparta Rotterdam after time on Burnley's books, and Ar'jany Martha signed a three-year deal with Rotherham last summer — his cousin Sontje Hansen plays for Middlesbrough.

Captain and most-capped outfield player Leandro Bacuna leads the side, while 37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room — formerly of Vitesse, PSV, and Columbus Crew — has earned a joint-record 71 caps. Sixteen members of the squad previously represented the Netherlands at youth level.

World Cup group fixtures

Curacao face Germany on June 14 in Houston, Ecuador on June 20 in Kansas City, and Ivory Coast on June 25 in Philadelphia. Advocaat's side are priced at 8/1 to reach the knockout stages and 500/1 to lift the trophy.