A month before its debut in a World Cup, Curacao is left without a coach.

Just weeks before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the Curaçao National Team is facing an unexpected scenario. In recent hours, Fred Rutten resigned as coach, leaving the team without leadership after only three months in the position.

The departure was confirmed by the local federation through a statement, which explained that the decision was made to preserve internal harmony. The coach himself was emphatic in justifying his stance: "A climate that harms healthy professional relationships within the team or coaching staff should not be established. That is why leaving is the right decision".

"Time is pressing, and Curaçao must move forward. I regret the course that events have taken, but I wish everyone the best", added the Dutch coach, marking the end of a cycle as brief as it was turbulent. Rutten, who had taken over in February after Dick Advocaat's departure, managed only two matches during the last FIFA window, both of which ended in defeats (0-2 against China and 1-5 against Australia).