The 78-year-old Advocaat would've become the oldest coach to ever manage a nation at the FIFA World Cup, beating Otto Rehhagel's previous record, set in 2010, when the German coached Uruguay at 71 years and 317 days old.
The Dutchman led Curaçao to its first-ever FIFA World Cup after stepping in in January 2024, making the Caribbean island the smallest nation ever to qualify. However, Advocaat has decided to step down just months before the tournament due to his daughter's health.
"I have always said that family comes before football," Advocaat said in a statement released by the Curaçau Football Federation (FFK) on Monday.
"This is therefore a natural decision. That said, I will greatly miss Curaçao, its people, and my colleagues. I consider qualifying the smallest nation in the world for the World Cup one of the highlights of my career. I am proud of my players, staff and board members who believed in us."
Advocaat also missed Curaçao's final FIFA World Cup qualifier in November, when the 'Blue Wave' beat Jamaica to punch their ticket for their maiden World Cup, due to family reasons. Technical director and assistant manager Dean Gorré, along with Cor Pot, filled in for Advocaat.
The president of the FFK, Gilbert Martina, said Advocaat's decision "commands nothing but respect" and that Curaçao "will always remain grateful" to the experienced manager.
Dick Advocaat has worked in coaching since 1984, when the former pro became an assistant manager for the Dutch national team. In the 40 years that followed, Advocaat made a name for himself internationally by winning five trophies in the Netherlands and the UEFA Cup with Zenit St. Petersburg in 2008.
Fred Rutten named successor
The FFK has named Fred Rutten as the successor to Advocaat. The 63-year-old Dutchman had been without a job since filling in for the departed Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV in 2023, but has had a long career in coaching that included stints at FC Twente, PSV, Schalke 04, and Feyenoord.
"It is a difficult time for Dick, and I wish him and his family strength. Dick is an icon in world football," Rutten said.
"It is truly an honour to continue his work. I have spoken extensively with him and his staff and will continue along the same path. Curaçao can expect the same dedication and commitment from me."
Curaçao have been drawn into Group E with Germany, Ecuador, and the Ivory Coast, with their matches scheduled for June 14th, 20th, and 25th in Houston, Kansas City, and Philadelphia.
