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England's Declan Rice Braces for "Hate and Love" at World Cup as Dick Advocaat Returns to Lead Curacao at Age 78
England midfielder Declan Rice expects a rollercoaster of emotions at the 2026 World Cup, while 78-year-old Dick Advocaat returns to lead debutants Curacao.
As England prepare to launch their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Croatia in Arlington, Texas on June 17, midfielder Declan Rice has candidly admitted he expects to be "hated one minute and loved the next" as the Three Lions chase their first World Cup in 60 years. The Arsenal star, who has been a central figure in Gareth Southgate's side, knows that World Cup pressure spares no one — and he is ready for the emotional extremes that define football's biggest tournament.
"That's the World Cup. You can be a hero in one match, and if things go wrong in the next, they'll come for you," Rice said. "I'm braced for the hate and the love. That's what comes with wearing this shirt." England enter the tournament with one of the deepest squads in the competition, but the weight of decades of near‑misses will follow them onto the pitch in Texas.
While England carry the burden of expectation, one of the tournament's most remarkable stories comes from the Caribbean. Dick Advocaat, the veteran Dutch coach, has returned to lead Curacao at the age of 78 — setting a record as the oldest‑ever coach in the tournament's 96‑year history. Curacao, who qualified for their first World Cup, will be one of the most‑watched debutants on the global stage. Advocaat, who previously managed the Netherlands, South Korea, and multiple club sides, brings a lifetime of experience to the tiny island nation's historic campaign.
Elsewhere, Iran have confirmed a pre‑tournament training camp in Antalya, Turkey, as teams finalise their preparations ahead of the June 12 kick‑off. With under a month to go until the opening match, the World Cup storylines are already beginning to take shape — from Rice's honest admission to Advocaat's record‑breaking return and the debutants dreaming of glory.
Stay tuned to Unuevbo TV for full coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, from team camps to matchday drama.
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