The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already produced an unusual record involving the age of national team coaches. Within a span of just four days, the record for the oldest coach to manage a match at the World Cup changed hands three times before ultimately being claimed by Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat.
The 78-year-old Dutch coach set the new benchmark on Sunday when he took charge of Curaçao in the team’s opening World Cup match against Germany. By doing so, Advocaat became the oldest coach ever to manage a match in World Cup history.
Before this tournament, the record had been held for 16 years by former Greece coach Otto Rehhagel. Rehhagel was 71 years old when he led Greece at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Prior to him, the record belonged to Cesare Maldini, who was 70 when he managed Paraguay during the 2002 World Cup.
However, the 2026 edition of the tournament has seen the record change repeatedly in a remarkably short period. The sequence began when South Africa coach Hugo Broos established a new mark at the age of 74 while overseeing his side’s match against Mexico. That achievement remained intact for only a matter of hours.
The record was then surpassed by Czechia coach Miroslav Koubek, who is approximately 75 years old. Shortly afterwards, Advocaat overtook both coaches when he led Curaçao against Germany, setting a new all-time World Cup record.
Oldest Coaches in World Cup History
| Coach | Team | Age | World Cup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cesare Maldini | Paraguay | 70 | 2002 |
| Otto Rehhagel | Greece | 71 | 2010 |
| Hugo Broos | South Africa | 74 | 2026 |
| Miroslav Koubek | Czechia | Approximately 75 | 2026 |
| Dick Advocaat | Curaçao | 78 | 2026 |
Advocaat’s latest achievement adds another milestone to a coaching career spanning more than four decades. He has been involved in professional coaching since 1980 and has managed the Netherlands national team on three separate occasions. Over the years, he has also worked with numerous clubs and national teams across international football.
The Dutch coach took charge of Curaçao in 2024. Under his leadership, the Caribbean nation secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in November 2025. The qualification campaign marked a significant moment for the team and ensured their place at football’s biggest tournament.
Earlier this year, Advocaat stepped down from his position in February due to his daughter’s illness. Following his departure, assistant coach Fred Rutten assumed temporary responsibility for the national team. According to the information provided, players later requested Advocaat’s return after his daughter’s condition improved.
As a result, he resumed his role as head coach in May and subsequently led the team into the World Cup. His return culminated in another historic moment when he became the oldest coach ever to oversee a match at the tournament.
Throughout his career, Advocaat has accumulated extensive international experience. He has served as head coach of eight national teams: the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Belgium, Russia, Serbia, Iraq and Curaçao. This broad coaching background, combined with more than 40 years in the profession, has made him one of the most recognisable and experienced figures in international football.
His appearance on the touchline against Germany not only marked Curaçao’s first match of the tournament but also established a new World Cup age record, ending a succession of record changes that unfolded over just four days.