Official: Xavi Hernández Named Netherlands Head Coach Through the 2030 World Cup
The Dutch football federation has confirmed Spaniard Xavi Hernández as the new Netherlands head coach, replacing Ronald Koeman, on a four-year contract running through the 2030 World Cup.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has officially confirmed Spaniard Xavi Hernández as the new head coach of the Netherlands, replacing Ronald Koeman.
Appointment details
- Official announcement made on Wednesday, 12 August 2026
- A four-year contract covering Euro 2028 in Great Britain and Ireland, as well as the 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco
- Xavi, 46, returns to management after leaving Barcelona in May 2024
The background behind Koeman's exit
Koeman's departure follows the Netherlands' round-of-16 exit at the 2026 World Cup, eliminated on penalties (1-1, 3-2) by Morocco. Xavi becomes the first foreign head coach of the Oranje since Austria's Ernst Happel in 1977-78.
Xavi's career as a player and coach
Xavi managed Qatari club Al Sadd between 2019 and 2021 before taking charge of Barcelona from November 2021 to May 2024, winning the La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup. As a player, he earned 133 caps for Spain and won the 2010 World Cup along with the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
Key facts
- Xavi succeeds Ronald Koeman as Netherlands head coach.
- The contract runs for four years, through the 2030 World Cup.
- Koeman's exit follows the Netherlands' elimination by Morocco at the 2026 World Cup.
- Xavi is the Netherlands' first foreign head coach since 1977-78.
