Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona and Spain midfielder, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team, succeeding Ronald Koeman. The Dutch football federation (KNVB) confirmed the appointment on August 13, 2026, following Koeman's departure after the 2026 World Cup.
Xavi, 46, previously coached Barcelona from 2021 to 2024, winning the La Liga title in 2023 and the Spanish Super Cup in 2023. He has been out of management since leaving Barcelona at the end of the 2023-24 season.
The KNVB stated that Xavi has signed a contract until the 2028 European Championship. His first match in charge will be a friendly against Spain on September 4, 2026, in Amsterdam.
Xavi's appointment marks the first time a non-Dutch coach has led the Netherlands since Guus Hiddink's interim spell in 2015. He will be tasked with revitalizing a squad that reached the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup before being eliminated by Argentina on penalties.
