Curaçao FA chair steps down after historic World Cup run

Curaçao’s football association has announced that chairman Gilbert Martina is stepping down immediately due to health concerns. Martina will undergo surgery soon for early-stage prostate cancer, following medical advice to focus fully on recovery. His resignation comes as a surprise after the island’s historic FIFA World Cup debut.

The announcement was made only after the 2026 World Cup. That timing wasn’t random. Curaçao made history by qualifying for a World Cup finals for the first time ever. Under coach Dick Advocaat, the team earned a point against Ecuador (0-0) and even scored against Germany (7-1). Last result: Curaçao 0-2 Ivory Coast (2026-06-25). Recent form shows mixed results: one win, two draws, and two losses in the last five matches (1W-2D-2L).

Why the resignation now?

Gilbert Martina has been involved since 2002 in the push to take Curaçao to the World Cup. He called the qualification a ‘great honor’ and highlighted the long-term vision behind the achievement. ‘This historic milestone is the result of years of effort by many,’ Martina said. His departure follows a period of national celebration after the World Cup run.

Vice-chair Fabi Constansia reacted with sympathy. ‘On behalf of the entire Curaçao football family, we thank Gilbert for his dedication and wish him a full recovery,’ she said.

What’s next for Curaçao?

The association stresses that the World Cup campaign opened a new chapter. Still, Martina’s exit demands quick action. The vice-chair will take over temporarily, but the search for a new chairman starts immediately. For a team that just made its debut on the biggest stage, stability is now key.

The 2026 World Cup remains a milestone. The team showed grit, but recent results - like the loss to Ivory Coast - prove more work is needed. The coming months will decide if Curaçao can build on this progress.

Last result: Curaçao 0-2 Ivory Coast (2026-06-25). Recent form shows mixed results: one win, two draws, and two losses in the last five matches (1W-2D-2L).