Curaçao's Head Coach: Why Can't We Be the World Cup's Big Surprise?
A nation of 156,000 people, 82nd in the FIFA rankings, and heading to their first World Cup — Curaçao's head coach Fred Rutten isn't just happy to be there. He wants to be the tournament's surprise package.
There are always surprises at major tournaments, and Curaçao intend to be one of them. That is the message from national team head coach Fred Rutten as the Caribbean nation prepares for their debut at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
"We have three chances to show ourselves to the world and the first is against Germany," said Rutten. "Nothing will be over for us after the first match. At major football tournaments — whether it's a World Cup or a European Championship — there are always surprises. Why can't it be us this time? We have a whole team of fighters who never give up."
Curaçao, a nation of approximately 156,000 people currently ranked 82nd in the FIFA world rankings, secured their place at the tournament and will face Germany, Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador in their group.
Rutten himself is relatively new to the role, having taken charge of the side following the departure of fellow Dutchman Dick Advocaat.