Sport

Xavi named Netherlands head coach on four-year contract

Herz — Sport Desk · 12 August 2026 at 20:41 · 30s summary · 2 min read

The essentials

Former FC Barcelona coach Xavi has been appointed head coach of the Netherlands on 12 August 2026, signing a four-year deal. At 46, he becomes the first non-Dutch manager of the national team since Ernst Happel left in 1978. He succeeds Ronald Koeman, who resigned after the Netherlands were eliminated by Morocco in the round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup. The role marks Xavi’s first coaching job since leaving Barcelona in 2024.

Xavi signs a four-year contract as Netherlands head coach.
He replaces Ronald Koeman, who resigned after the World Cup.
He is the first foreign manager of the Netherlands since 1978.
The role is Xavi’s first since leaving FC Barcelona in 2024.

What we know

Xavi has been named head coach of the Netherlands on 12 August 2026 with a four-year contract, the BBC and Yahoo Sports report.

Aged 46, the former FC Barcelona coach becomes the first non-Dutch manager of the country since Ernst Happel departed in 1978.

He succeeds Ronald Koeman, who resigned after the Netherlands were knocked out by Morocco in the round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup.

Xavi said he considers his appointment as head of the Dutch national team a great honour.

A declared bond with Dutch football

Xavi said he feels a particular bond with Dutch football because of his education at Barcelona’s academy, shaped notably by Johan Cruyff and Rinus Michels.

He also cited Louis van Gaal, who gave him his Barcelona debut, and Frank Rijkaard among the coaches who shaped his career.

As a Spain player, Xavi won three international trophies. He was part of the team that beat the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final.