The Curacao national team is on the brink of a coaching crisis after Fred Rutten resigned just a month before their World Cup debut. Dick Advocaat, who guided the island to the tournament in 2023, may return, potentially becoming the oldest coach in history.

Rutten's short stint ended after defeats to China and Australia, drawing criticism from players and sponsors. The FFK publicly pledged support for him, but his departure three days later left Curacao scrambling for stability.

Advocaat, 78, is reportedly ready to step back into the role if his daughter's health improves. His previous tenure saw Curacao reach the finals, a remarkable feat for the smallest qualifying nation.

With a Group E opener against Germany on 14 June, Curacao must resolve its managerial turmoil quickly. A new coach will need to rally a squad that has already faced heavy opponents and prepare for matches against Ecuador and Ivory Coast.