In 2022, the Curacao national team was battered twice by Indonesia in friendly matches. Three years later, the tables have turned completely: Curacao is heading to the 2026 World Cup!
Indonesia, under the guidance of Shin Tae-yong, triumphed 3-2 and 2-1 in late 2022. At that time, the Garuda team was building momentum for the Asian Cup and the long road to the World Cup qualifiers.
Curacao was then led by Remko Bicentini. However, the game-changer arrived in January 2024 in the form of veteran coach Dick Advocaat.
His influence was felt instantly. In the second round of the CONCACAF qualifiers, Advocaat’s side swept Group C. The momentum carried into the third round where, facing Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Bermuda in Group B, Curacao remained undefeated.
A gritty 0-0 draw against Jamaica on Tuesday (November 18, 2025) was enough to seal the deal. History has been made: Curacao is going to the World Cup for the first time ever! This could arguably be Advocaat’s greatest achievement.
An island dream! Curaçao qualify for their first-ever #FIFAWorldCup. 🇨🇼🤩#WeAre26 pic.twitter.com/QXsBTbNjzh
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 19, 2025
Conversely, Indonesia’s World Cup dream ended in heartbreak in the fourth round. The failure highlights the controversial decision by the PSSI to replace Shin Tae-yong with Patrick Kluivert in early 2025—a critical moment in the campaign.
The irony is palpable. Kluivert previously coached Curacao twice (2015-16 and 2021) with lackluster results. Now, the team he left behind has soared under Advocaat, while the team he took over has faltered.
As Dick Advocaat and Curacao await the World Cup draw on December 5, Indonesia is left to wonder what might have been.
