Get ready for a trailblazer! Dr Suzanne Huurman is about to make history as the head of medical staff for Curacao's men's national team - and what an incredible story it is. With less than 160,000 people calling this Caribbean island nation home, they've just pulled off the impossible: qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. It's a milestone moment that not only marks Curacao's remarkable achievement but also puts Dr Huurman in a select group of women holding the same position among the 48 nations participating in the tournament - a staggering feat considering it's just one of three female doctors to do so.
Curacao's road to glory has been nothing short of breathtaking. They've defied all odds, beating seven and drawing three in their unbeaten qualification run. Dr Huurman, born in Brazil but with an illustrious CV boasting stints with Real Madrid, Go Ahead Eagles, PSV Eindhoven, the Netherlands Under-16 boys, and even the Dutch women's handball team, is no stranger to high-pressure environments. But she's well aware of the challenges faced by women working in predominantly male spaces.
Undaunted, Dr Huurman preaches a message of competence over credentials: "If you show them you're capable and good at what you do, it's easy they accept you because it's about quality and performing," she stresses. But she also acknowledges the initial resistance many women face, with questions raised about their ability to hold such roles.
So, what stands in the way of greater female representation in elite sports? According to Dr Huurman, it's the gruelling 'always-on' culture that dominates football. This lifestyle can wreak havoc on personal life, especially for those juggling family commitments or pregnancy, making it nigh impossible to maintain a continuous presence with a team. She highlights the stark contrast between general medicine and sports medicine: while women are in the majority in the former, they dwindle significantly in the latter.
In a bold move towards inclusivity, FIFA has introduced new regulations for the 2026 women's tournaments, mandating at least one female member of medical staff and one coach. This is just the catalyst change needs to accelerate opportunities for women in football. And it doesn't get more historic than seeing an all-female external medical team - including Dr Huurman and Dr Schwarz - take charge at a men's World Cup match, as seen during Curacao vs Germany.