FIFA World Cup 2026: World Cup debutants to have Oldest Coach in History - Who are the Five Oldest Managers in World Cup?

Veteran Dutch manager Dick Advocaat has made a dramatic return as head coach of the Curaçao national team, just weeks before the Caribbean island's first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.

The 78-year-old "Little General" will lead the squad at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, becoming the oldest coach in World Cup history.

Curaçao Football Federation (FFK) president Gilbert Martina confirmed the appointment after predecessor Fred Rutten parted ways with the team on Monday. Advocaat, who originally guided Curaçao through qualifying and secured their historic qualification in late 2025, had stepped down in February 2026 citing his daughter's health issues. Reports indicate her condition has since improved, allowing the veteran to resume his role.

With his appointment, Advocaat has become the oldest manager to manage a team in the upcoming World Cup.Curaçao will open their Group E campaign against Germany on June 14 in Houston, followed by matches against Ivory Coast and Ecuador. The federation emphasized unity and stability as the team prepares for this landmark moment.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Top Five Oldest Managers

When Curacao play their first group stage match on June 14, Advocaat will be 78 years 260 days old, thus the oldest manager in this World Cup.

Apart from the Dutchman, there are a few other managers who are above 70 years, but the second oldest is Greece's Otto Rehhagel, at the age of 71 years 317 days when he managed them in 2010 World Cup.

Uruguay's Oscar Tabarez and the Netherlands' Louis van Gaal are also high in the seniority list.