Xavi Hernández appointed Netherlands coach through 2030 World Cup
The former Barcelona coach has signed a four-year deal to lead the Netherlands through the 2030 World Cup, succeeding Ronald Koeman.
In short
- The former Barcelona coach has signed a four-year deal to lead the Netherlands through the 2030 World Cup, succeeding Ronald Koeman.
Xavi Hernández has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands on a four-year contract that runs through the 2030 FIFA World Cup, the Dutch football association announced on August 12, 2026.
The 46-year-old succeeds Ronald Koeman, who stepped down after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup. Xavi returns to management for the first time since leaving Barcelona in 2024.
In a statement released by the KNVB, Xavi described the appointment as a major honour and pointed to the influence of Dutch football figures Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels on the playing philosophy he learned at Barcelona. He said he wants the national team to pursue results through attacking, possession-based football.
Xavi began his coaching career at Qatar’s Al Sadd before taking charge of Barcelona in November 2021. He led the Catalan club to the Spanish league title in 2023. As a player, he won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships with Spain.
The appointment gives the Netherlands a new long-term coach as the team begins rebuilding toward its next major tournament cycle.
