Curaçao, which holds the title of smallest country by population ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, is facing the possibility of former head coach Dick Advocaat returning to the helm after current manager Fred Letsch announced his resignation.
The Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) announced Letsch's resignation through its social media on Tuesday, local time.
"This decision was made following an open and constructive dialogue between coach Letsch and federation president Gilbert Martina, with the most important considerations being Curaçao football, the players, and the need for stability within the national team," the federation said in a statement.
The federation added that "although coach Letsch was not directly the subject of controversy, he chose to resign on his own."
Letsch's abrupt resignation has increased the likelihood of Advocaat's return. Advocaat took charge of the Curaçao national team in January 2024 and led the side to qualification for the North and Central American World Cup. It marks the first time Curaçao has reached the World Cup finals.
After guiding the team to the World Cup, Advocaat stepped down in February, saying he wanted to focus on caring for his daughter, who was in poor health.
However, his daughter's health has reportedly improved recently, and media reports have indicated that Curaçao players and sponsors want Advocaat back, raising the prospect of his return.
The Curaçao Football Federation plans to hold a press conference on Wednesday, local time, to announce additional details regarding the coaching change.
Advocaat, who led the Netherlands to the quarterfinals at the 1994 U.S. World Cup, also has deep ties to Korean football, having managed the South Korean national team at the 2006 Germany World Cup. Hong Myung-bo, the current South Korean national team head coach, served as an assistant coach under Advocaat at the time.
Curaçao has been drawn into Group E at the North and Central American World Cup alongside Germany, Ecuador and Côte d'Ivoire, and will make its World Cup debut against Germany in Houston, U.S., on June 15.
