Rutten reflects on painful period with Curaçao

Curaçao national team manager Fred Rutten looks back on a difficult period and the painful events that have occurred. Read here the story of Rutten and his vision for the future of Curaçao in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

22 Aug 2026 By Margaretha Molenaar · senior correspondent

Fred Rutten, the national team manager of Curaçao, has had a difficult period. He looks back on the painful events that have occurred and shares his vision for the future of Curaçao in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

What happened?

Rutten was appointed as the national team manager of Curaçao in March, but he could not participate in the World Cup due to a game that was played.

How does Rutten feel?

Rutten states that he has had a rotten period and that the World Cup did not end well for him. He finds it painful to talk about it, but he wants to leave the past behind him.

What's next?

Curaçao is currently in 4th place in the World Cup with 1 point from 3 games, and a recent form of LDL. Rutten hopes that the team can return to its old form and achieve success in the future.