Persistence has paid off for Dick Advocaat. Just a few months after expressing frustration about his efforts to expand the Curaçao playing pool, the veteran coach has landed seven new players for the Caribbean nation’s upcoming FIFA World Cup 26™ qualifying campaign.
The headline star is former Manchester United, Club Brugge and Werder Bremen winger Tahith Chong, who has officially switched allegiances to the nation of his birth.
Chong, who represented the Netherlands from U15 to U21 level, came close to playing for Curaçao when he was named in the provisional squad for the 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup but was ultimately not selected. Now he has provided a massive coup for Advocaat, who is looking to steer Curaçao into the World Cup for the first time in their history.
The Blue Wave are in fine form ahead of their Concacaf Group B qualifying fixtures against Jamaica, Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago, having topped their group in the second round with a 100-per-cent record and followed that up with a hugely impressive draw against Canada in the group stage of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
Advocaat, who recently signed a contract extension with Curaçao, has refused to let up in his efforts to reach the global showpiece once again. For the upcoming fixtures against Trinidad and Tobago and Bermuda, the 77-year-old has handed first call-ups to Chong, Leandro Merencia, Riechedly Bazoer, Deveron Fonville, Shurandy Sambo, Tommy St. Jago and Tyrese Noslin.
It is an impressive group of players, who starred for the Netherlands at various age groups. But the biggest name of the group by far is Chong, who was nicknamed “the Curaçao Arjen Robben” during his time as a youth player with Feyenoord before he moved to Manchester United.
“I think it’s a big honour,” Chong said of his nickname. “Obviously, Arjen Robben is a big, big player. When I used to be small, I used to look up to him and liked his game. I think I’ve mentioned before, the players that I used to look up to were Arjen Robben, Ryan Giggs and Lionel Messi. So, to have that honour is big but I have got massive, massive steps to take before I can get to that level.”
Chong lived in Curaçao until he was eight when he moved to the Netherlands to play at the Feyenoord academy. But the island will always be home to him. “I think Curaçao, if you look at it on Google, it speaks for itself,” he told the Bundesliga website. “Obviously, a beautiful island with sea and everything. It’s amazing. Some people call it ‘Cura-dise’.”
Still just 25, Chong has yet to feature for English League One club Luton Town this campaign after picking up an injury in pre-season. But after returning to training, he is poised to provide a dangerous attacking threat for Curaçao when he finally makes his official international debut for his home country.
