Curacao's trailblazer doctor on football's big stage
Summary
Dr. Suzanne Huurman is the head of medical staff for Curacao’s men’s football team at the 2026 World Cup. She is only the third woman to lead medical staff for a men’s team in the tournament’s history and the only female head of medical staff at this World Cup.Key Facts
- Dr. Huurman leads the medical team for Curacao, the smallest country by population to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
- She is the third female head doctor for a men’s World Cup team ever, following doctors from New Zealand (2010) and Germany (2023).
- Curacao’s football federation staff traveling to the World Cup is mostly male; Dr. Huurman is the only woman.
- Dr. Huurman studied medicine in the Netherlands and specialized in sports medicine, a field with fewer women.
- She notes that demanding travel, lifestyle, and family commitments make it harder for women to work in elite male football.
- Curacao qualified for the 2026 World Cup without losing a match, with seven wins and three draws.
- Dr. Huurman hopes to see more women in football medical roles in the future.
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