Curacao extend Dick Advocaat contract until 2027 after historic World Cup campaign

The Curacao Football Federation has extended Dick Advocaat’s contract as head coach of the national team until 31 July 2027, following the country’s historic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The agreement was announced by the federation in a statement published on its official account on X. Advocaat, 78, guided Curacao to the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.

“Curacao’s Football Federation has chosen continuity and stability as we continue to build the future of football in the country,” the statement said.

Advocaat welcomed the decision and said he was eager to continue developing the team alongside his players and coaching staff.

“We have achieved something exceptional together, and I look forward to continuing to build on what we have achieved with the players and staff,” he said.

The Dutchman will announce Curacao’s squad on Friday for the September international window, when the team will resume its campaign in the CONCACAF Nations League.

Curacao are scheduled to face Costa Rica on 25 September before meeting Nicaragua three days later on 28 September. Their international programme will conclude with two matches against Trinidad and Tobago, on 2 and 5 October.

The contract extension comes after Curacao’s landmark appearance at the 2026 World Cup. They were drawn in Group E alongside Germany, Cote d’Ivoire and Ecuador.

Curacao finished bottom of the group with one point. They scored one goal and conceded nine during their historic first appearance at the tournament.

The federation’s decision means Advocaat will remain in charge as Curacao continue to develop their national football programme following their breakthrough qualification. The new deal runs through the end of July 2027, providing the team with continuity during the next phase of its international schedule.

Advocaat has enjoyed a long managerial career, but leading Curacao to the World Cup represented a significant achievement for both the coach and the country. The federation said its decision was based on maintaining stability while it works to build on that progress.

The immediate focus will now turn to the CONCACAF Nations League fixtures, with Advocaat preparing to select the squad for the four matches against Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Trinidad and Tobago.