Xavi appointed Netherlands head coach on four-year deal

Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the new head coach of the Netherlands national team, becoming the first foreign-born manager to lead the Dutch side in nearly 50 years. The 46-year-old Spaniard, a former Barcelona captain and World Cup winner with Spain, has signed a four-year contract that will run until the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which is set to be hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) announced the appointment on August 12, 2026. Xavi replaces Ronald Koeman, who resigned after the Netherlands was eliminated from the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32 by Morocco on penalties. Koeman's departure followed criticism for a tactical approach in that match that was seen as a break from the team's traditional style.

Xavi, who has been without a managerial role since leaving Barcelona in the spring of 2024, expressed his gratitude for the position. "I consider it a tremendous honour to become head coach of the Dutch national team," he said. He cited his development at Barcelona's academy, which was heavily influenced by Dutch footballing legends Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels, as the source of a "special connection to Dutch football." He...